Patient shares experience with Holzer's EksoNR Skeleton
A new state of the art device is joining Holzer Health System. It is called the EksoNR, manufactured by Ekso Bionics. Geared toward helping those who are unable to walk due to medical conditions, the EksoNR is a robotic exoskeleton that enhances strength, allowing patients to stand and to relearn to walk. This device has helped patients take more than 200 million steps in over 400 rehabilitation institutions around the world. Holzer is the only local provider that has it available for our communities. Right now, this unique device is being featured on Holzer’s rehab floor.
It may be the early days of the EksoNR, but that hasn’t stopped the device from having a positive impact on a member of the community, Jan Knight. On December 28th, 2020, tragedy struck the Knight family. At first, it seemed like another normal day, but this quickly changed. Early that morning, Jan felt unwell. Her neck was hurting, and she experienced flu-like symptoms.
Jan’s situation worsened and, as a result, she was rushed to the hospital, where it was determined that she had suffered a brain bleed. She was quickly transferred to Columbus, where she eventually underwent surgery for this serious issue. After her surgery, Jan didn’t wake up until a few days later. To this day, Jan’s memory of these times is foggy. Jan’s husband, Brian, has been with her every step of the way, supporting her through thick and thin.
When Jan woke up, she had tubes in her mouth and stomach for nutrition and medication purposes, respectively. The tube in Jan’s mouth left her unable to talk for a long period of time. The adversity did not stop there. Jan had to relearn how to walk, speak, and swallow. In total, Jan was bed-ridden for 103 days.
Jan was eventually admitted to the Holzer Inpatient Rehab Unit in Gallipolis, Ohio. Following discharge from the Inpatient Unit, Jan was referred to Holzer Outpatient Therapy in Jackson, Ohio. At age 60, she had to rebuild her muscles, a tough task for anyone of any age. She was initially coming to therapy in a wheelchair and has worked her way back to walking independently.
Because of her condition, Jan could not do two hours of therapy in one session; this was considered risky and potentially dangerous. Thankfully, the team at Holzer was aware of her needs and created a recovery plan that was defined by safety. Brian talked about the team at Holzer, stating, “All the time they are doing in therapy is documented. It is a productive, safe time, a good balance for patients.”
During her therapy, Jan had the privilege of working with the EksoNR skeleton a few times. While it was an unknown form of therapy, Jan points to Holzer’s cohesive culture, which was beyond impactful. Jan says, “The exoskeleton process was easier than expected because of the familiar faces. The ones here are like family. They all know us.”
The EksoNR has been a worthwhile part of the road to recovery. The point of the device is to move for patients and allow them to feel the rhythm of moving normally. In Jan’s case, the medical professionals have turned that portion of the program off, allowing her to control the device. Thus, she will move, and the device will support and follow her movements. Jan talks about this process, saying, “I have walked 50 yards down a hallway by myself. That was a good experience.”
Jan is happy to work with the EksoNR as part of her therapy process, saying, “The EksoNR has been a really good experience. It is surprisingly comfortable.” After seeing the benefits of the EksoNR suit, Brian sees the impact that it will have on future patients. He stated, “A lot of people will benefit from the exoskeleton.”
Jan and Brian give an abundance of praise to both Gallipolis and Jackson Holzer locations. She continues to work with the therapy team at the Holzer Jackson location. While there are still steps ahead, Jan is proud of the progress she has made and is thankful that Holzer has utilized its team and technological resources in a way that is beneficial and inspiring.
Overall, Jan is doing much better. She has constantly moved forward, from bed-ridden to walking by herself with a cane. She is able to mow the yard and drives her side-by-side in her spare time. When asked about her improvements, Jan said, “My progressions have been slow but sure. I want people out there to know how important it is to not give up. It may take time, but don’t give up. There may be baby steps, but those steps are getting you to a better place.” Brian backs up this sentiment, saying, “Therapy works. If you give it time, it works.”
About EksoNR™
EksoNR™ is the first exoskeleton approved by the FDA for use with stroke and spinal cord injuries from L5 to C7 and the only exoskeleton with FDA approval for use with acquired brain injury and multiple sclerosis patients. The EksoNR™ with SmartAssist™ software is the only exoskeleton available for rehabilitation institutions that can provide dynamically adapting amounts of power to either side of a patient’s body, challenging the patient as they progress through their continuum of care. The suit’s patented technology provides the ability to mobilize patients earlier, more frequently, and with a greater number of high intensity steps. To date, this device has helped patients take more than 200 million steps in over 400 rehabilitation institutions around the world.
About Ekso Bionics®
Ekso Bionics® is a leading developer of exoskeleton solutions that amplify human potential by supporting or enhancing strength, endurance and mobility across medical and industrial applications. Founded in 2005, the company continues to build upon its unparalleled expertise to design some of the most cutting-edge, innovative wearable robots available on the market. Ekso Bionics is the only exoskeleton company to offer technologies that range from helping those with paralysis to stand up and walk, to enhancing human capabilities on job sites across the globe. The company is headquartered in the Bay Area and is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol EKSO. For more information, visit: www.eksobionics.com or follow on Twitter: @EksoBionics.
