Richmond, Calif-headquartered Ekso Bionics announces that The MOST Study is being launched in Europe to evaluate the use of the Ekso GT robotic exoskeleton during stroke rehabilitation.

The MOST Study—which stands for mobility improved after stroke when a robotic device was used in comparison to physical therapy—is being led by Professor Dr med F. Hamzei, MD, MHBA, chief physician of the department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Moritz Klinik, according to a media release from Ekso Bionics.

This study is investigating the impact of gait training with the Ekso GT on functional independence of 80 patients with impaired gait as a consequence of stroke, when compared to conventional physiotherapy alone, the release explains.

Early observations from clinical use of Ekso GT for rehabilitation of stroke patients at Moritz Klinik led to the development of the MOST study. In this study, the Ekso GT will be used daily in one group, while in the control group patients will be treated with conventional physiotherapy alone, in a daily training program, over the course of 3 weeks. The level of functional mobility will then be compared between both groups. The study is scheduled to conclude mid-year 2017, the release continues.

“Stroke is one of the most common causes of chronic disability and can have long-term debilitating effects. Intervening early and regularly with advanced assistive devices such as Ekso GT may significantly positively impact stroke patients’ overall motor recovery and help to regain or maintain their independence. That’s our hypothesis in the ongoing randomized controlled study,” explains Hamzei, in the release.

For more information, visit Ekso Bionics.

[Source: Ekso Bionics]