When you really think about it, purchasing a powered exoskeleton is a serious business. So the question is, how can we get a grip on the potential value of purchasing something like the Indego? To be worthwhile, the exoskeleton has to at least make greater independence and enhanced health a realistic possibility for the user - and for a start that will mean different things to different people.

The really exciting aspect of the Indego exoskeleton is it’s ability to act as a therapeutic aid following stroke, MS, head injury and more. Whilst it’s the personal usage as an assistive product that gets the headlines, the Indego’s superb blend of hardware and software is the key to it’s role as a superb therapy tool. Neuroplasticity is a double edged sword. To take advantage of this you need something that allows the “optimal” gait to be reinforced. The Indego leads the way in it’s ability to take advantage of neuoplasticity.

We threatened to offer additional training on our RehaMove FES system and the principles and practice of FES last year- but it didn’t quite make it to the top of our action list. We are now looking again at piloting an on-line course for clients and partners if we get a positive response.

Electrotherapy for lower motor neuron lesions is not well understood by clinicians but we have many users benefiting from home use of the Stimulator RISE to combat the consequences of muscle denervation.

The Indego Therapy kit has been adopted by the therapy practice More Rehab from Sheffield/Doncaster to use as part of their routine clinical work.  Up until now, the main focus with exoskeletons in the news has been their use as assistive devices following a spinal cord injury.  More Rehab will take advantage of the software systems of the Indego to offer intensive therapy to clients who can benefit from variable assistance.

What have the Indego exoskeleton and golf practice have in common?  It's all to do with how we learn actually. The arrival of the Indego and other exoskeletons could and should sweep away some of the obsolete thinking and outdated practices that constrained what we could expect of rehabilitation in the past.  It's no good implementing frequent, intensive and functional rehab without the right tools. It's not good for golf either.