How EksoNR exoskeleton has helped Joe’s MS rehab journey

When Joe was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the age of 49, he knew that the degenerative neurological condition would eventually make it harder for him to live an independent life. Six years on and no longer able to work, Joe had grown increasingly reliant on mobility aids. First a walking stick, then a walker, then a wheelchair.

Last year a friend in his MS exercise physiology class mentioned technology-aided treatment he was receiving at Royal Rehab. “He was talking about EksoNR. I thought that I’d like to give it a go.”

Joe’s NDIS Support coordinator got in touch with the Royal Rehab LifeWorks team, who came up with a treatment schedule combining the robotic EksoNR exoskeleton with traditional physiotherapy. MS has affected Joe’s ability to properly lift his hips, bend his knees, and transfer weight when walking. His slow and unsteady gait affected his ability to do things normally and increased his risk of falling.

Joe said he knew he was doing the right thing after the first EksoNR session, and after 9 weeks, including 5 EksoNR sessions, says the improvement is marked.

“The goal is to re-educate my brain so I can walk better and use the chair less. EksoNR supports me as I walk and helps me to take steps correctly. The amount of assistance EksoNR is providing is reducing and I know that means I’m doing more when I walk using EksoNR.”

“Before starting with Royal Rehab, I was doing everything at home sitting in the chair – cooking, making coffee, washing. Now I just use the walker and I can stand for 20 to 30mins at my kitchen bench to prepare and cook meals,” Joe said. “I don’t think it’s realistic to think I will walk normally again, but if I can duck out of my apartment and go to the coffee shop 20m down the street on just my walker or crutches, it would be a huge achievement for me.”

To find out more about how we can assist with multiple sclerosis rehab, contact our team on 1800 518 180 today.