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Rehab Clients
Rehab Matters
at Royal Rehab Private
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AVAILABLE FOR FIRST TIME IN AUSTRALIA
Robotic Exoskeleton Fast-Tracks Mobility
For Patients with Neurological Conditions
Royal Rehab is proud to be the first provider in Australia to offer patients access to advanced exoskeleton technology. EksoNR, created by US-based robotics company Ekso Bionics, is set to excel rehabilitation for people with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Guillain Barre Syndrome, spinal cord injury, and acquired brain injury. “Breakthroughs in technology are driving better and faster outcomes for people living with life-changing conditions and injury, however these have been unavailable in Australia until now,’’ said Royal Rehab CEO Matt Mackay. ‘’We are delighted to be changing the status quo with EksoNR and helping people with paralysis.’’ EksoNR has been specifically developed for use in rehabilitation settings. The device requires active participation from patients to function. This advances the progress of rehabilitation by strengthening muscles and driving brain plasticity. EksoNR also offers real-time data which enables physiotherapists to measure progress and adjust programs to get faster results. Clinical evidence suggests EksoNR gait training offers many benefits outside of the device including improvements in functional balance in people with motor incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI); improvements in walking distance for people with stroke and motor incomplete SCI at discharge compared to admission; and improvements in patient gait speed at discharge compared to admission. EksoNR is available through Royal Rehab’s services including Royal Rehab Private Hospital and is coming soon to MetroRehab Hospital.
Call us on 02 9808 9222 or email us at ekso@royalrehab.com.au for any questions or referrals you may have. More information on EksoNR can be found at royalrehab.com.au/eksonr
Contents
Royal Rehab Private Hospital
EksoNR Delivers Positive Results for Neurological Rehab Clients..............p2
RACGP CPD Education Events Coming Soon! ............ p4
MetroRehab Hospital
Understanding the Importance of Prognostication in Rehabilitation ............ p4 Specialist Stroke Rehab gets 90-year-old Teresa Home ...........................p7 Spotlight on our Health Professionals ............. p8
Click here to go to our MetroRehab articles
A Message from our GM
Welcome to the third issue of Rehab Matters — the combined newsletter of Royal Rehab Private and MetroRehab Hospitals designed to keep specialists and GPs up to date on the latest in rehabilitation medicine.
In this issue, we’re delighted to share news that Royal Rehab has acquired advanced robotic exoskeleton, EksoNR – an Australia-first. Designed to fasttrack rehabilitation for people with neurological conditions, EksoNR is already delivering clinical outcomes around standing and walking, as well as psychological benefits. As Royal Rehab continues to grow, we are reorganising some positions. As I write, I am in the process of transferring to the position of general manager Disability Services at Royal Rehab. I am pleased to welcome Selina Rowe into the role of general manager Royal Rehab – Ryde, which incorporates general management responsibility of Royal Rehab Private Hospital. Selina has over a decade of experience leading multidisciplinary community and inpatient-based services. Wishing you and your patients all the very best.
Jessica Scanlan nee Taveira
Outgoing General Manager, Royal Rehab Private Hospital
Since Royal Rehab’s launch of advanced robotic exoskeleton EksoNR, this game-changing device has helped numerous clients fasttrack their mobility. Client Profile – Alex: The 18-year-old rising sports star severely damaged his spinal cord while training with the Under-17 NSW Rugby Sevens youth selection squad in 2018. His parents were told that he may never walk again. After acute care, Alex was transferred to Royal Rehab’s Spinal Injury Unit where he spent seven months working to regain function and movement in his limbs.
Alex and his family were quick to explore every possible opportunity to maximise his recovery, leading them to the EksoNR exoskeleton at Royal Rehab. The family embraced the opportunity to boost Alex’s rehabilitation. After nine sessions of EksoNR therapy, Alex has: » improved his standing endurance, » doubled his walking time, » increased his steps per session by 133% and improved his step pattern and weight symmetry.
“I hadn’t been able to take my first step since the accident, but with the EksoNR, I can do it. There are so many benefits. It’s really great both physically and emotionally to be able to stand up again.” – Alex
According to Alex’s mum Kylie, “Watching him take those first steps was wonderful and powerful. It once again regenerates the hope that technology and medical advancements will continue to provide new opportunities for Alex and others like him.”
Alex and his family are excited to track his progress as he continues to use EksoNR in future rehabilitation sessions.
