Paralyzed Woman Completes Marathon Using Exoskeleton

Posted: May 9, 2012
Find more content on: Orthopaedic Technology

In 2007, Claire Lomas was thrown while horse riding and left with severe injuries that paralyzed her from the chest down. On May 8, 2012 Lomas completed the London Marathon, walking two miles a day of the 26.2-mile route over the course of 16 days, in the process becoming the first person to complete a full marathon using the ReWalk bionic suite created by Argo Medical Technologies.

The ReWalk is an FDA approved device that uses actuation motors and an array of computer-aided motion sensors to allow mobility to patients with lower limb paralysis. Patients with a healthy cardiovascular system and bone density, who are able to move their arms and shoulders (walk with crutches) can utilize the ReWalk to stand, walk, and even climb stairs. Argo Medical Technologies hopes the ReWalk can allow patient to enjoy a higher quality of life and also reduce the risks and complications of a wheelchair.
 
For her efforts Lomas raised over 128’000 US dollars for charity for spinal research.

 

Video via: The Telegraph

-Chris Wiltz

 

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