Research to Focus on Neuro-Rehabilitation and Gait Training Among Stroke Population
RICHMOND, Calif., April 10, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:EKSO), a robotic exoskeleton company, announced today that Kessler Foundation, a global leader in rehabilitation research, has purchased a second exoskeleton, the Ekso GT, to be used in a new study examining the effectiveness of wearable robots for neuro-rehabilitation and gait training. Kessler Foundation is one of the first organizations to integrate the most recent evolution of this technology, which will be used solely to study its efficacy for patients with hemiparesis who are less than three months post-stroke.
Karen Nolan, PhD, research scientist in Human Performance & Engineering Research and Mooyeon Oh-Park, MD, assistant director of Stroke Rehabilitation Research for Kessler Foundation, are in charge of the pilot study. The study plans to enroll 10 stroke inpatients from Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation to study patterns of mobility and gait parameters before using Ekso GT, during use and after use. They will measure several items including spasticity, range of motion and levels of assistance required in adults 18-75 years old.
"We're seeing that robotics in rehabilitation are having an increasingly positive impact on patient outcomes, and research such as this is key to furthering such progress," said Rodger DeRose, president and CEO of Kessler Foundation. "Exploring Ekso GT in the stroke population is an exciting new avenue for our mobility researchers."
Kessler Foundation has used Ekso Bionics' previous generation exoskeleton for clinical research in patients with spinal cord injury since October 2011. Melissa Pullia, PT, ATP, clinical manager for Ekso Bionics, will work with Kessler's clinical team to integrate the newest device by training their physical therapists and researchers on new technology features which provide utility and efficacy specifically for stroke survivors. Today marks the completion of the first round of training, an additional week of comprehensive training will commence in May.
"We're proud of the success Kessler has achieved with use of their Ekso among their patients with spinal cord injuries over the last two years," said Melissa. "Continuing to build on their clinical program by bringing Ekso to their stroke population is exciting. There have been notable preliminary findings and we are looking forward to helping them collect the data to quantify them."
Ekso Bionics designs, develops, and commercializes exoskeletons, or wearable robots, which have a variety of applications in the medical, military, industrial, and consumer markets. Exoskeletons are ready-to-wear, battery-powered robots that are strapped over the user's clothing, enabling individuals to achieve mobility, strength, and endurance not otherwise possible. Ekso Bionics' lead product, Ekso TM , is a wearable bionics suit that enables individuals with any amount of lower extremity weakness to stand up and walk over ground. Ekso is forging a new frontier in rehabilitation for people living with the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions affecting gait.
About Ekso Bionics
Since 2005, Ekso Bionics has been pioneering the field of robotic exoskeletons, or wearable robots, to augment human strength, endurance and mobility. The company's first commercially available product called Ekso has helped thousands of people living with paralysis take millions of steps not otherwise possible. By designing and creating some of the most forward-thinking and innovative solutions for people looking to augment human capabilities, Ekso Bionics is helping people rethink current physical limitations and achieve the remarkable.
Ekso Bionics is headquartered in Richmond, CA and is listed on the OTC QB under the symbol EKSO. To learn more about Ekso Bionics please visit us at www.eksobionics.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eksobionics
Twitter: @eksobionics
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/EksoBionics/
Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding (i) the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including plans or objectives relating to the design, development and commercialization of human exoskeletons, (ii) a projection of income (including income/loss), earnings (including earnings/loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items, (iii) the Company's future financial performance and (iv) the assumptions underlying or relating to any statement described in points (i), (ii) or (iii) above. Such forward-looking statements are not meant to predict or guarantee actual results, performance, events or circumstances and may not be realized because they are based upon the Company's current projections, plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other influences, many of which the Company has no control over. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may influence or contribute to the inaccuracy of the forward-looking statements or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation, the Company's inability to obtain adequate financing, the significant length of time and resources associated with the development of our products and related insufficient cash flows and resulting illiquidity, the Company's inability to expand the Company's business, significant government regulation of medical devices and the healthcare industry, lack of product diversification, volatility in the price of the Company's raw materials, existing or increased competition, results of arbitration and litigation, stock volatility and illiquidity, and the Company's failure to implement the Company's business plans or strategies. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in the Company's filings with the SEC, including, the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2014. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements.
Media Contact: Heidi Darling, Marketing Manager Phone: 415.302.4777 Investor Contact: Lauren Glaser, Vice President Phone: 646.378.2972
