Assistive Technology: Rehabilitation Technology Devices
At Good Shepherd, leading-edge rehabilitation technology, coupled with expert hands-on therapy, help to maximize function and increase independence in our patients who have had stroke, spinal cord or brain injuries, or suffer from other neurological illnesses and conditions.
Armeo®:
A robotic device that uses functional, task specific therapy with visual feedback for rehabilitation of the elbow, hand and forearm for patients after a stroke, traumatic brain injury or other neurological diseases and injuries. It also uses highly sensitive weight support to reduce gravity, allowing patients with limited arm use to have a wide range of movement.
Constraint Therapy:
For individuals with weakness in one arm, constraint therapy forces patients to use the affected arm by placing a restraining device on their good arm.
DynaVisionTM:
A therapeutic technology to improve hand-eye coordination, balance, upper-extermity range of motion and physical endurace in people with balance problems, visual field issues and problems tracking with the eye.
Ekso (bionic exoskeleton):
Ekso is a wearable robotic device that allows people with lower extremity paralysis or weakness to stand up and walk. The patient provides the balance and proper body positioning, and the device facilitates walking over ground with reciprocal gait. Good Shepherd was one of the first rehabilitation facilities in the nation to receive the Ekso and is also one of the first to receive the latest upgrade, which allows the patient to progress through a series of levels to control the suit and gain greater autonomy. Read more.
Functional Tone Management (FTM) Arm Training:
The FTM Arm Training Program features the SaeboFlex, a dynamic orthosis that represents a
new treatment approach for individuals suffering from neurological injury. The SaeboFlex
holds the patients’ affected hands in functional positions, helps with thumb and finger extension
to allow patients to grasp and release objects more freely, improves motor recovery throughout
the upper arm and improves strength, range of motion, motor control and overall arm function.
GAITRite System:
This computerized gait analysis system uses a series of switches embedded onto a mat, on
which the patient walks. Data is then collected electronically, putting gait deviations into
objective terms in order to show progress over time.
Hand MentorTM:
A robotic device that encourages self-initiated motion in the wrist and assists movement only when
necessary. It uses an interactive display to engage patients as they work to restore range of motion
and strength, reduce spasticity and improve the motor control of their wrist and hand following a
stroke or head injury.
IMPACT® Concussion Program:
Developed by the University of Pittsburgh, IMPACT is a computerized diagnostic program. It
gives physicians an empirical way to compare the memory skills and reaction times of athletes
pre- and post-concussion. It is used to determine the severity of concussions and make
decisions about when an athlete can get back on the field following an injury. Read more.
Interactive Metronome:
This technology works by challenging the patient to improve the brain’s timing and processing
skills through the use of whole-body exercises in the presence of a computer-generated beat.
An individualized program is developed for the patient that may target working memory,
attention, visual and auditory processing, language skills and cognition, as well as sequencing,
motor coordination, balance, gait and/or fine motor skills. Read more.
LiteGait®:
Through the use of an overhead suspension system and harness, the LiteGait allows
therapists to provide body-weight-supported gait therapy to individuals who have difficulty
walking following a neurological event. The system facilitates more normal movement patterns
with better postural control.
Ness H200® (Bioness, Inc.):
The Ness H200 is a neuroprosthetic system that helps patients with upper-limb paralysis
regain hand control. It can also be used as an adaptive device to improve function for patients
with a spinal cord injury.
The device surrounds the hand and forearm of a patient to obtain proper positioning. Five
surface electrodes are integrated into the H200 to stimulate and activate the hand. A micro
processor provides the patient and clinician control over the desired hand activation. The
device can be used for exercise as well as functional activities, such as practicing the grasp
and release of objects and performing activities of daily living.
Ness L300TM (Bioness, Inc.):
The Ness L300 is a functional electrical stimulation system designed to help patients with
neurological disorders affecting the lower extremities, specifically foot drop. The L300 is worn
on the lower leg and foot. Its purpose is to stimulate muscle re-education, prevent atrophy and
promote a more natural walking pattern. The L300 can be used either as a training device or a
functional orthotic for patients to use daily when they walk.
Parastep® System:
The Parastep is a microcomputer controlled functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS)
system that enables independent, unbraced standing and walking by people with spinal cord
injury.
Pressure Mapping: Force Sensitive Applications:
Pressure sores can be painful and even deadly to individuals in wheelchairs. Through
pressure mapping, clinicians can visually assess the pressure patterns of patients, allowing
them to develop, adjust and implement pressure-relieving solutions. This system can be used
to assess patients in wheelchairs for seating systems, as well as in bed to identify positioning
needs and support surface requirements.
ReoTM Go (Motorika):
The Reo Go robot is used for retraining patients with motor limitations in their upper
extremities that result from stroke or other neuromuscular conditions. The system facilitates
high repetitions of engaged arm training to get patients moving again, while improving muscle
strength and range of motion.
Robomedica®:
Like the LiteGait, the Robomedica is a body weight support system, which helps individuals
achieve a more normal walking pattern and improved posture. It provides a safe training
environment for individuals following spinal cord injury, brain injury or stroke and can be
adjusted to accommodate for bone mineral loss and muscle atrophy.
SMART EquiTest® System:
The SMART EquiTest System was originally developed by NASA to help astronauts
reacclimate to the earth’s gravity. It is used to gauge balance problems in individuals who have
had stroke, brain or orthopedic injuries, or suffer from chronic mobility disorders, dizziness,
degenerative diseases or vestibular disorders. The SMART EquiTest provides clinical data
relating to balance problems and helps clinicians develop appropriate treatment plans for each
patient.
AlterG Bionic Leg (formerly Tibion Bionic Leg)TM:
The AlterG Bionic Leg (formerly Tibion Bionic Leg) is a robotic device that provides assistance to leg motion according to
pre-determined force set by a therapist. It is for patients who have weakness in one leg due to
a stroke, spinal cord injury or brain injury. The battery-powered AlterG Bionic Leg (formerly Tibion Bionic Leg) helps
patients more effectively use their affected leg in functional activities such as standing,
walking and stair climbing. Read more.
Up N’ Go Walker®:
A new type of walker used for controlled reduction of weight-bearing load during gait training.
It promotes better posture and alignment, strengthens the lower extremities in close-chained
activities and promotes standing balance. The Up N’ Go enables a therapist to initiate safe,
controlled gait training with a patient at an earlier stage in his or her rehabilitation.
Vital Stimulation Therapy:
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, often affects individuals who have had stroke or other
neurological problems. VitalStim® and VitalStim® Experia use electrodes to strengthen and
restore the swallow function to improve quality of life.
For more information on Good Shepherd’s Rehabilitation Technology, contact us, call 610-776-3517 or Request an Appointment.
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