The man behind the machine

Health blog
With the exoskeleton, E.H. walks freely through the corridors of the rehab clinic.

Hint

Intro

At the Rehaklinik Zihlschlacht, patients with brain damage learn to walk again with the help of a gait robot. Sports therapist Stefan Köhler introduces those affected to the equipment and monitors the therapy.

The Robotics Centre is an open, bright space offering state-of-the-art treatment options

It is one of the world’s largest neurological rehabilitation centres for effective training. This is where people with brain or nerve injuries after a stroke come to recover. However, robotassisted therapy is also useful for Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis or after a traumatic brain injury. Thanks to the equipment, the intensity of training can be increased tenfold, as demonstrated by the successful rapid recovery. But the Robotics Centre is also a space for meetings, where people can exchange ideas and find new courage.

Robotics Centre, Rehaklinik Zihlschlaht
Sports therapist Stefan Köhler explains: “The machines don’t replace the therapist, but rather they are a valuable, evidence-based therapy tool. We are a team of patients, therapists and robot-assisted therapeutic devices.”
With the help of the exoskeleton, patients can stand upright and meet people at eye level again for the first time. For the patients, this change of perspective is a freeing experience.
Stefan Köhler

Modern physiotherapy roboticist

Stefan Köhler is a trained EKSO therapist and is able to combine his interest in technology with working with people at the Robotics Centre. He is most often found using the exoskeleton, a mobile support corset that is attached to a patient’s trunk and legs. He sets up the EKSO GT gait robot from EKSO-Bionics, then walks behind the patient during therapy and stabilises them if necessary. Without the device, as many as three strong assistants could be needed in order to support the patient’s body. Thanks to the device, the patient and therapist can move around the room entirely freely.

The technology also has its pitfalls, as Stefan notes: “Before therapy, I always have to check very carefully that everything is set correctly and that the batteries are charged.”
Patient E.H. and Stefan Köhler have an excellent relationship and trust one another.
Patient E.H. visits the clinic for therapy once a week. He has been suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) for 25 years.
“When I strap the exoskeleton on a patient, they relinquish control. If I press the start button, the device stands up with them,” says Stefan.
I have to adapt my movements to those of the patient so that I can guarantee stability. I really break a sweat during some of the training sessions.
Stefan Köhler
At the beginning, therapy with the exoskeleton was very strenuous for Stefan Köhler.
Oasis, Rehabilitation Clinic Zihlschlacht

On ropes on the treadmill

The treadmill with weight relief is another piece of equipment that Stefan Köhler uses to practice a normal gait pattern with patients. Above the treadmill is a suspension device that relieves and supports even the most severely affected according to their individual needs. Training sessions can thus be designed to be more intensive and targeted. Studies have shown that this improves both the physical and psychological well-being of patients.

Motivation is everything

“Stroke patients are taken out of life from one moment to the next. The motivation to learn to walk again is enormous,” says Stefan Köhler. Therapy doesn’t always follow a set path, however. Great progress is often made in the beginning, but as the nervous system and muscles regenerate, the visible changes become smaller. The therapist’s guidance and constant support is therefore key throughout the process.

 

Written by Dr Kathrin Zimmermann