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[OverrideYourGenetics]

Has anyone considered using an exoskeleton with/instead of crutches during the distraction phase? The main advantage would be that you can stand while using both your hands.


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Exoskeletons are commonly used to help paraplegics (people with spinal cord injuries) walk, and also to teach walking to children with cerebral palsy. As CLL patients, our goal is to walk again. I wonder to what extent an exoskeleton would help with the recovery. Being able to stand and weight-bear might even more of a game changer than STRYDE vs. PRECICE 2, because you might be able to stand in them even without crutches (I still need to figure out if this is the case, and for which exoskeletons). Also, unlike STRYDE, exoskeletons are already here and FDA approved.

I've only started to survey the market today, and so far it seems there are over 30 companies making exoskeletons. Many are targeted at rehabilitation, and some options are:

• $5k exoskeletons designed for industrial use by workers who can use their legs fine, but need assistance with taking weight off the knee joint (legX)
• $80k exoskeletons for patients who have no control over their legs, that help them walk, stand and even climb stairs (Indego)
• exoskeletons that can be rented for $2000/month (apparently in Japan only, but that was as of 2012) - the HAL. It allows the wearer to lift 200 lbs several hundred times without tiring.
  

The legX is really interesting:
This intelligent system can distinguish between walking, ascending/descending stairs and squatting to allow unimpeded locomotion and only provides support when support is desired. legX also has a locking mode, where the exoskeleton can be used like a chair.

It's not clear if it needs a battery or not. $5k isn't "cheap", but a good electric wheel chair is $2500 anyway. You can also sell the exoskeleton to the next LLer after 3 months of use. Those things are made to be durable, for paraplegics who wear them for extended periods of time.

Anyway, I'll continue researching. Does anyone else have more information or experience?

Here's a video for those who prefer to watch:
10 Advanced exoskeletons and their uses

[myloginacct]

You should ask Paley when you get the chance.

[OverrideYourGenetics]

I did ask Dr. Paley about exoskeletons, and he said he didn't know of any, and was not going to change his protocol for some random new gadget.

On the other hand, with STRYDE, these become unnecessary.