Already for the 42nd time, the Medica – leading exhibition for medicine and medical devices – takes place in Dusseldorf, Germany and offers a wide range of topics for visitors from around the world. The questions whether new technologies are efficient enough, their integration into the clinical routine, as well as their relevance for a faster and better rehabilitation are some of the main topics which are recently discussed in neurologic rehabilitation and will remain a major focus of this year’s Medica as well.
Important systematic review confirms the efficacy of robotic therapy
Locomotion therapy supported by an automated gait orthosis on a treadmill has shown to be an effective intervention for improving over-ground walking function caused by neurological diseases and injuries in many cases. In the latest Cochrane Review1 about “Electromechanical-assisted training for walking after stroke”2, the efficacy of gait training was once again put forward and the advantages of robotic therapy were analyzed. The results of this study show that stroke patients who receive gait training in combination with physiotherapy are more likely to achieve independent walking than patients who receive only conventional therapy alone.
Paralympics winner Sebastian Dietz also trains on the Lokomat
The gait roboter Lokomat that was used in 13 of 23 studies of the Cochrane Review will be presented at this year’s Medica. With more than 500 sold devices, the Lokomat is now used in renowned hospitals and rehabilitation institutions worldwide and offers a highly intensive, individual training in a motivating environment.
Also Sebastian Dietz, gold medal winner in discus throwing at the 2012 Paralympics, is training with the Lokomat and will visit the Medica in November. The athlete is convinced of the Lokomat’s success: “With the Lokomat I can experience again how natural walking and a harmonic gait pattern feels. The Lokomat supports me with the relearning of the right movement and I’m looking forward to the next therapy sessions”.
The next Generation of Early Rehabilitation – Erigo®Pro
Apart from the topic of gait training, early rehabilitation plays an important role, especially with regard to the growing number of stroke patients. At the previous Medica the prototype of the next generation of the Erigo was presented for the first time and is available since April 2013 on the European market. As the first system that combines robotic verticalization with functional electrical stimulation (FES), the device allows an even more effective early mobilization of neurological and bed-ridden patients.
Get further information at the Hocoma booth in hall 4, booth 317. The Hocoma team is looking forward to your visit.