Standing after a spinal cord injury is recommended for health. Standing frames, standing wheelchairs, exoskeletons and the Tek RMD - how do they compare?

As we pointed out in a recent article “How to Buy an Indego Exoskeleton”, we expect that potential users will want to try each exoskeleton on the market and explore what they can do. This is not something that should be done with a “quick demo”. In fact, it might be unsafe to take this approach because each exoskeleton will demand a certain level of “competence” from the user to get the best out of it.

Purchasing something like the Indego exoskeleton is potentially a life-changing event and deserves careful consideration. You should at least consider - Why would I purchase an exoskeleton? What would I like to think, feel and be able to do? Is this purchase realistic based on guidance from my clinical advisors? It is a good idea to try all of the exoskeleton systems that are available if you can.

As we noted in a recent article, we are sometimes asked, “You work with both the Indego Exoskeleton and the Tek RMD - which is better?” This is really like trying to compare oranges and apples. It very much depends on the functional ability and aspirations of the individual client. Whilst both can potentially allow someone with lower limb paralysis to stand and move, both products have very different features and benefits. Both are outstanding products but their true value can only be judged in relation to individual goals and priorities.

Indego can’t produce miracles - but the combination of great technology and therapy can come close. We have featured Alice and her story of recovery from a hypoxic brain injury. As a young woman she was looking at a situation in which she would be in bed for 23 hours a day and hoisted to a wheelchair for the rest of each day. Indego along with the efforts of the More Rehab team have got Alice back on her feet and moving toward independence.

In this article we look at how various studies have showcased the Indego’s performance. The lndego Personal is a lower extremity exoskeleton providing power assisted trunk stability in combination with dynamic flexion/extension of the knees and hips for standing, walking and returning to sit. This powered orthosis is beneficial for a broad range of neurological conditions including stroke, MS and spinal cord injury