The article that caught my
attention to share with the class was called Robot Exoskeletons March in to
Link Mind and Body. This article is about Kevin Oldt who got in
a snowmobile accident that caused him a spinal cord injury and
was not able to walk for 16 years. What the Exoskeleton does is provide the
extra support that patients need to take steps again, working side to side therapy
it is supposed to help them regain that strength and balance they need in order
to walk again. The Exoskeleton or the Ekso GT is designed for spinal cord injuries
or lover back injuries.
"The exoskeleton’s
software calibrates how much assistance Oldt needs by sensing how much force he
generates as he lifts his foot off the ground and pushes forward." How the
Ekso GT works is that it connects the thought with the action, as Oldt
things about moving his leg and begins the process the Ekso GT provides
the necessary strength to take a step. However, the Ekso GT does not
take the step for him because it would not help him recover his own strength.
In March the Ekso GT
was approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is now sold to
hospitals or to patients directly. An Ekso GT costs around $70,000 to
$150,000 this is quite pricy but to be able to walk and have that freedom again
there is no price. Also the military is interested in using the Ekso GT as
tools for soldiers to carry more weight. Also the U.S. government started
covering treatment for paralyzed veterans who qualified.
I find all this that is happening
fantastic because I know how it feels to have a loved one who is sick and there
is no cure for them, and can’t get better or there is no solution for things.
But know patients with spinal cord or lover back injuries have hope that things
will change for them.
Steph S.
How did it look? was it bulky? i wonder if they could make one that was very small or undetectable under clothing.
ReplyDeleteA. Wardell
The device looks sort of like an electronic backpack that has extensions coming down that attach to your legs. There are also cane-like poles that you hold onto that help provide support as you walk. I would describe it as bulky, but it does allow someone who isn't able to use their legs to walk.
Delete-Ashley B.
Looks like another BIG STEP, in science! I also know what its like to watch someone lose part of their life (like mobility) its devastating! I love that now there is hope for those people so regain some of their freedom again.
ReplyDeletesorry this is written by Siera B.
DeleteI am only aware of stem cell treatments that are available to help people regain mobility after a spinal cord injury. How does this differ from stem cells? I am aware that the use of stem cells come with many arguments of morality. So does this exoskeleton become implanted into the spine and its just an electronic devise?
ReplyDelete-SN
I am only aware of stem cell treatments that are available to help people regain mobility after a spinal cord injury. How does this differ from stem cells? I am aware that the use of stem cells come with many arguments of morality. So does this exoskeleton become implanted into the spine and its just an electronic devise?
ReplyDelete-SN
I did a bit of research on this topic and found out that stem cell treatment can treat other parts of the body for example it can treat arthritis. The exoskeletons is only to help people regain mobility in their spin for ability to walk it is not implanted and there is no kinds of surgeries required for this treatment it is like a wheel chair except it can help stand up and take steps.
DeleteSteph S
The future is now! It's amazing how some of the "futuristic" devices and treatments we see in Hollywood movies seem so unlikely and even non-plausible. Yet as we look into the current research and advancements made today we are a lot closer to our "science fiction" than we always think!
ReplyDeleteThis exoskeleton sounds fantastic for those who have become disabled. Hopefully future advancements can continue to bring better designs, and cut that price tag!
Joseph Sneddon
This device sounds very interesting and I think could make a big difference in many lives except for the fact that it is very pricey. I would think that most people that could use this have already put out large amounts of money in surgeries and hospital care, making it very difficult for them to afford. I do however think it is great they are helping paralyzed veterans with getting a device such as this one.-D.B.
ReplyDeleteMy best friend was paralyzed in an accident about a year ago and he said he would pay any amount to be able to walk again. Like was mentioned in the article, there really isn't a price too high for mobility. It would be a huge sacrifice, and require a lot of help, but i think in the end something like that is worth the extreme cost. KH
DeleteThis is a great article. I even remember seeing a news report maybe about a year or two ago about a walking device. I believe to main part of the report was in trying to help wounded soldiers getting back to a functional conditions. With some I believe even returning back to service in a different part of the military to still do their service. In either case giving anybody the power to walk again is an amazing thing. -D.D.
ReplyDeleteThis technology is amazing! It is incredible to think that technology has come this far already, and that we still have so much more room to grow. I think this is really cool because I know people who have been in accidents that have left them partially paralyzed, and I know how hard it is for them to not be able to have the full capabilities they had before their accidents. This technology would allow these individuals to walk again, and that is truly amazing!
ReplyDelete-Mindy C.
This is so cool! It's also neat to think that whoever created this technology had to start off with the simple knowledge that we are getting right now. All great ideas had to start somewhere, and I love that we are in a field that is changing and saving the future. C.W.
ReplyDeleteWhat would the difference in structures be between the hospital version and the military version? If the hospital versions are implanted into the spinal cord, how would they protect against infections everyday? How would these skeletons be powered?
ReplyDelete-M. Aldridge
Wow this is amazing. You are right definitely expensive but if it helps you walk again there isn't a price you can put on that. A neighbor of mine got paralyzed when he was playing high school football...he has been in a wheelchair for about 8 years. This would be amazing to get on the market and help those who are paralyzed to be able to have function of their limbs once again.
ReplyDeleteThis is so incredibly exciting! We had a family friend growing up that broke his back on the trampoline and become a paraplegic. After 4 years of rehab, and walking in water, he was able to begin walking on a dry flat surface again. This is going to help so many people- I hope this can go even farther and assist individuals affected with quadraplegia!
ReplyDeleteHW