Kessler Foundation integrates Movendo Technology’s robotic platform hunova in rehabilitation research studies aimed at restoring balance in individuals with disabilities caused by neurological illness and injury and aging
Movendo partners with Kessler Foundation to improve brain recovery. (Credit: Pixabay/Raman Oza.)
Movendo Technology has partnered with Kessler Foundation to explore potential applications for Movendo’s robotic platform hunova in rehabilitation research in populations with balance deficits caused by neurological illness or injury and aging
At Kessler Foundation, the hunova is being integrated into on-going clinical trials in brain injury and stroke, according to research scientist Rakesh Pilkar, PhD, in the Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research. Dr. Pilkar directs the Center’s Balance Assessment and Training Laboratory. The hunova is a programmable robotic medical device consisting of two independent electromechanical movable platforms, one at foot level and one at seat level. The device, which can deliver more than 200 exercises for postural control, balance, core stability and proprioception, operates in active, passive, and assistive modes.
“Balance is a key element of our lives, playing a fundamental role in our ability to safely perform activities of daily living,” explained Dr. Pilkar. “When balance is impaired, quality of life declines as individuals lose their independence and their risk for injury, including falls, increases,” he noted. “This greatly increases costs of care and caregiver burden. Incorporating the hunova in our mobility research will help us better understand the spectrum of balance dysfunction across populations with neuromuscular disabilities, and develop new interventions to help restore balance function, toward the goal of improving mobility and enhancing quality of life.”
Foundation scientists will also use Movendo’s Silver Index, a 20-minute predictive evaluation that provides an objective assessment of fall risk and suggests exercise protocols for mitigating risk.
“Establishing this long-term collaboration with Kessler Foundation is an important step toward improving outcomes for individuals whose rehabilitation is complicated by balance dysfunction,” said Frank Menzler, Executive VP and General Manager North America of Movendo. “The hunova has already been adopted by more than 100 facilities as a compact system for both objective balance assessments and functional therapy,” said Menzler. “We are confident that integrating hunova into the Foundation’s mobility research will lead to data-driven solutions that will accelerate recovery, benefiting hospitals, clinics, and patients. The scope of the Foundation’s research provides opportunities for testing protocols for restoring and maintaining balance function in a broad spectrum of populations including stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, musculoskeletal disorders, and aging.”
Source: Company Press Release