News & Events
Making Strides Brings Exoskeleton Technology to Australian Spinal Cord Injury Community; Launches First Training Module
Marlborough, MA — January 8, 2015 — Exoskeleton leader ReWalk Robotics announced today a collaboration with Making Strides—the first dedicated spinal cord injury recovery center in Australia—to distribute ReWalk systems in the country.
In addition, ReWalk is proud to announce receipt of approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for rehabilitation and home use of ReWalk exoskeleton systems in Australia. Approval by the TGA places ReWalk systems in several global geographies including: North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia.
Kristee Shepherd, Making Strides Director said, “The Making Strides team is very excited for this collaboration with ReWalk Robotics to make this technology available to Australians living with a spinal cord injury. We believe ReWalk has the potential to reshape our vision of what life after a spinal cord injury looks like.”
ReWalk is a wearable robotic exoskeleton that provides powered hip and knee motion to enable individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to stand upright and walk. The system provides user-initiated mobility through the integration of a wearable brace support, a computer-based control system and motion sensors. The system allows independent, controlled walking while mimicking the natural gait patterns of the legs. ReWalk is the only exoskeleton system cleared by the FDA for both personal use as well as use in a rehabilitation setting in the United States. And with TGA approval, ReWalk becomes the sole TGA approved exoskeleton system in Australia.
“We are pleased to be able to bring ReWalk’s revolutionary to Australia through this important collaboration with Making Strides in Australia,” said ReWalk CEO Larry Jasinski. “Together, we will be able to impact the spinal cord injured community in Australia, ensuring the technology can reach as many individuals as possible.”
This week, Making Strides began rehabilitation training with its first candidate. The center plans to train several more individuals in the early months of 2015.
Making Strides Director of Training, Genny Kroll-Rosen said, “It has been a wonderful experience to incorporate the ReWalk system into our program here at Making Strides. The Rewalk provides a form of exercise that may be particularly beneficial for our clients in helping them to reach their functional recovery-focused goals.”
Founded in 2013, Making Strides has established itself as a leader in exercise based spinal cord injury recovery, and is committed to providing a comprehensive activity based neuro-recovery program developed specifically for individuals with spinal cord injuries to achieve functional recovery, health and independence. Making Strides’ program utilizes exercise science fundamentals in combination with state of the art equipment and highly skilled trainers in a safe, supportive, goal oriented environment. It is designed to restore strength, regain endurance and recover neuromuscular function in individuals with a spinal cord injury.
ReWalk was developed by Dr. Amit Goffer, an Israeli inventor who became quadriplegic after an ATV accident in 1997. It was through his own personal experience in utilizing mobility devices for people with spinal cord injury that Dr. Goffer developed the ReWalk.
About ReWalk Robotics Ltd.
ReWalk Robotics (formerly Argo Medical Technologies) develops, manufactures and markets wearable robotic exoskeletons for people with lower limb disabilities, such as paraplegia. ReWalk’s mission is to fundamentally change the health and life experiences of individuals with spinal cord injury. ReWalk is proud to offer the only FDA cleared exoskeleton systems in the United States, for rehab and personal use respectively. Founded in 2001, ReWalk Robotics is a global company with headquarters in the US, Germany, and Israel. For more information on ReWalk Robotics and the ReWalk Systems, please visit www.rewalk.com.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Wlach
jwlach@mercuryllc.com
Making Strides:
Kristee Shepherd
kristee@makingstrides.com.au
