eLegs for SCI'ers

[stano]

Here is a breakthrough device undergoing clinical trials at 10 noted Rehab Centers around the country, which will aid paras and quads to WALK. It uses sensors to read patient's intentions i.e., standing, walking, sitting and with the aid of computers and mechanical actuators, provides motion. They hope to start trials this summer.Check out the video at:

http://berkeleybionics.com/2010/eleg...-personal-use/

[rdf]

Seems like 3 or 4 different enterprises are developing this same technology.

[Patty41]

Stano--thanks for sharing this exciting information.

[t8burst]

Is it just me, but I find this of little interest. I don't want to be walking around like I am looking for Sarah Connor. Maybe when it is more compact and less robotic I would consider it but for the state of the art as it is now I would rather be in my chair.

[0xSquidy]

eCrap they call it

[jody]

I think it would be very good to bring back muscle, and as it says muscle memory.
not crap at all, and I would totally do it if I had the chance just to develope the muscle memory and the follow through with stepping, which I have lost.

[peterf]

i like the invention one problem only will it be affordable?

[MarkB701]

Come on guys. This is just the first step and should be encouraged.

It's like the Apple IIe from the early 80's. Give it a few years (and encouragement) and it will be the equivalent of the Ipad....


The biggest thing going in our favor is that this technology has a MASSIVE potential market - OLD PEOPLE.

Anything to help the ageing generations stay mobile will trickle down to the disabled too. Gotta love wealthy old people and their savings....

[Ptarzan80]

I remember reading about this last fall, when Time named it one of the top inventions of 2010. I think Mark is right - it should be encouraged, and encouraging. No, it's not perfect. No, it isn't actual walking. It is, however, a step forward (pun intended) and offers hope for something more. I can't see that many people would be able to afford it independently, but if such a device were made available in rehab centers, it could potentially help maintain bone and muscle integrity, or at least slow down the degenerative process.

[Domosoyo]

Mark, your observation cracked me up. Awesome observation, so true. I'm on the "it's a good thing" bandwagon too. It will only get better and much less time spent with FDA approval process.

[0xSquidy]

Give it more time for what? For you to walk like a happy tourist for only ten grand and a few charges a day? Oh yeah... what an amazing potential this holds...

Will it give you back bladder and bowel so you can go to the bathroom like everyone? Will this bring your sexual function back? Will this take away the neuropathic pain or make you breath on your own?
Will this encourage other lines of research to cure other illnesses?

I can't believe what I read here.

[t8burst]

Give it more time for what? For you to walk like a happy tourist for only ten grand and a few charges a day? Oh yeah... what an amazing potential this holds...

Will it give you back bladder and bowel so you can go to the bathroom like everyone? Will this bring your sexual function back? Will this take away the neuropathic pain or make you breath on your own?
Will this encourage other lines of research to cure other illnesses?

I can't believe what I read here.

In reality its just a very complex power chair, and will do about as much for you as a power chair does. Its hard for me to get excited about it.

[Rock517]

Give it more time for what? For you to walk like a happy tourist for only ten grand and a few charges a day? Oh yeah... what an amazing potential this holds...

Will it give you back bladder and bowel so you can go to the bathroom like everyone? Will this bring your sexual function back? Will this take away the neuropathic pain or make you breath on your own?
Will this encourage other lines of research to cure other illnesses?

I can't believe what I read here.

And I thought I took the cake for apathy and negativity... Goddamn, son, what's your problem with technology? I don't know your injury level, but you're only 24 and have a piss poor attitude.

I think these eLegs are pretty damn cool and I'm going to try and get involved in a trial with them next year. No, they won't give me back bladder or bowel function or let me feel my dick, but they'll allow me STAND and WALK, albeit slowly. However, I can easily see the day in the future where I wake up, strap on a pair of robo legs, and walk around pretty normally for the day. Beats the hell out of wheeling. Sure, the technology isn't quite there yet, but it's early. Robo legs like these are going to get spinal cord-injured people walking a hell of a lot sooner than stem cells or any other medical solution, that's for sure.

[0xSquidy]

And I thought I took the cake for apathy and negativity... Goddamn, son, what's your problem with technology? I don't know your injury level, but you're only 24 and have a piss poor attitude.

I think these eLegs are pretty damn cool and I'm going to try and get involved in a trial with them next year. No, they won't give me back bladder or bowel function or let me feel my dick, but they'll allow me STAND and WALK, albeit slowly. However, I can easily see the day in the future where I wake up, strap on a pair of robo legs, and walk around pretty normally for the day. Beats the hell out of wheeling. Sure, the technology isn't quite there yet, but it's early. Robo legs like these are going to get spinal cord-injured people walking a hell of a lot sooner than stem cells or any other medical solution, that's for sure.

Outta boy! You deserved it :

[Rock517]

Outta boy! You deserved it :

I've been coming to this site for about five years and you certainly are about the only dick I've run into - and that includes on the political board. In reading your other posts, you spread your shitty attitude around. Please go away; no one here wants to hear from you. I hope you enjoy your depressive state, kid.