Robotic device, which helps patients walk and climb stairs, is only available at MossRehab.

PHILADELPHIA (July 27, 2011) - Going up or down stairs is often as daunting for a patient with a disability as climbing a mountain. MossRehab, part of the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, has a new robotic device to help patients train for that task.

MossRehab is the first facility in the United States using the G-eo Systems Evolution, which was developed by Reha Technology in Italy and Austria. The robotic device, which looks like a combination stair-stepper and elliptical machine, helps patients walk and also mimics the motion of step climbing and descending.  It has sophisticated sensors and computer controls which provide a varying level of assistance based on the needs of patients with neurological and orthopedic problems. “Patients who have difficulty with stair climbing or walking can be trained on the G-eo system prior to real world training,” said Alberto Esquenazi, MD, chief medical officer at MossRehab and director of the Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory.  

Tom Kopak, one of the first MossRehab patients to use the G-eo, has already seen improvement after only four sessions. Kopak, 47, of Hatboro, had a stroke in 2007 and started therapy at MossRehab in January after surgery on his right leg to correct complications from spasticity, a common problem after stroke. Walking on the G-eo is helping him undo damage to his body caused by the compensating posture he adopted to help him walk after the stroke. “It created bad habits and the G-eo is helping correct some of the bad habits.” It’s also helping him with balance issues, particularly in descending steps, when he feels as if he could fall forward.   “In four sessions, I’ve gotten benefits from it,” Kopak said. “I’m making progress every time I’m evaluated.”

There are 4 G-eo Systems Evolution devices in use in Italy and two elsewhere in Europe. It was installed at MossRehab in early July and was used by a patient the following day. MossRehab continues to pioneer the use of cutting-edge technologies to help patients with disabling injuries relearn movement and regain strength and function. “This is our 7th robot in clinical use” said Dr. Esquenazi, adding that MossRehab has “an established reputation as a center of excellence in robotic assisted rehabilitation.”