Aretech Offers Four Robotic BWS Options

Source: PRWeb

Aretech LLC, the world leader in robotic body-weight support systems, announced today that they have expanded their product line to include four different rehabilitation technologies for a wide variety of therapy needs.  Aretech’s product portfolio includes two overground systems and two treadmill systems, all featuring dynamic body-weight support and fall protection.  Dynamic body-weight support helps compensate for weakness, providing patients the feeling of being in a reduced gravity environment.  This allows them to begin participating earlier after injury and train at higher intensity levels.  The advanced fall protection is customizable depending on the type of activity being performed.

The ZeroG Gait and Balance System is an overground, robotic body-weight support system which was the first product offered by Aretech dating back to the company’s inception in 2009.  The patient wears a harness connected to the ZeroG robot, which in turn moves along a custom ceiling track.  Patients can practice gait, balance, and perturbation training safely and at a high intensity with customizable levels of body-weight support.

Aretech’s second overground system is ZeroG 3D, a 3-dimensional body-weight support system that allows patient to move freely in a workspace up to 500 square feet.  ZeroG 3D is ideal for simulating real-world situations such as navigating a kitchen, laundry room, bedroom, or to work on stepping strategies in all directions.  Similar to ZeroG, the ZeroG 3D provides customizable body-weight support and advanced fall protection while tracking the patient’s movements in all directions rather than along a defined path.

For centers who desire treadmill training or have space-restricted gyms, Aretech has two options.  The Ovation Interactive Treadmill System is designed for patients up to 700 pounds and provides goals and training metrics such as distance and time walked, heart rate, SpO2, and more to help motivate the patient as they view virtual walks and vistas on a large infotainment display.   Ovation’s robotic body-weight support system can provide up to 300 pounds of dynamic unloading and advanced fall protection.  For those using a wheelchair, a Launchpad is incorporated into the system which gently raises and lowers them from floor level to the treadmill surface.

Luminaire is the second body-weight support treadmill system from Aretech with a walking surface composed of rubberized shock-absorbing slats.  Ergonomic seats for the therapist are mounted to either side of the treadmill should the patient require manual assistance as they walk.  Both Ovation and Luminaire have DualArrest fall protection which not only prevents the patient from falling, but simultaneously stops the treadmill.

“Our goal is to expand the reach of Aretech’s technologies so that all patients can benefit regardless of their size and abilities” said Dr. Joe Hidler Aretech’s CEO.  “Whether it is a small child with Cerebral Palsy or a five-hundred-pound patient recovering from a stroke, we want to be sure all patients are afforded the same rehabilitation opportunities.  Aretech’s technologies allow patients to practice walking, balance activities, and so much more in real-world scenarios.  This helps patients prepare to return home and reintegrate into society, which is clearly the goal.”

A growing body of research is proving how much Aretech technologies are helping enhance patient outcomes.  Patients who used ZeroG during inpatient rehabilitation following TBI and stroke achieved higher gains in FIM scores than those who received standard of care (1,2).  When patients utilize both ZeroG and the TRiP perturbation module, they achieve higher Berg Balance scores than those who received the standard of care (3).  By expanding technology options, the company hopes to reach even more patients.

About Aretech

Aretech is a world leader in developing advanced rehabilitation technologies for improving function and independence.  The company as a strong commitment to quality, innovation and developing technology based on evidence-based research. For more information, visit: www.aretechllc.com

  1. Anggelis E, et al. “Impact of motor therapy with dynamic body-weight support on Functional Independence Measures in traumatic brain injury:” NeuroRehabilitation. 2019 Dec 18;45(4):519-524
  2. Elwert N, Powell ES, Anggelis E, Sawaki L, “Effect of dynamic body-weight support on function independence measure in acute ischemic stroke.” 14th ISPRM World Congress and 53rd AAP Annual Meeting. 2020
  3. Meyer et al. “A Novel Body Weight-Supported Postural Perturbation Module for Gait and Balance Rehabilitation After Stroke: Preliminary Evaluation Study” JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2022;9 (1)

ZeroG at the Center for Human Performance Optimization

The staff at the Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha, NE describe how Aretech’s ZeroG Gait & Balance System is helping their patients at the new Center for Human Performance Optimization.

ZeroG is being used to try activities they are not confident trying on their own in a safe environment with dynamic body-weight support.  The robot tracks patient movements as they walk with no resistance for a natural environment.

As Brad Corr, PT, DPT explains, “ZeroG gives patients the opportunity to explore movements that they otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to do.”

 

Video Link on YouTube  

For more information on the Center for Human Performance Optimization, visit: https://www.boystownhospital.org/research/institute-human-neuroscience/human-performance-optimization