Ottawa Hospital hoping to get 'exoskeletons' to help people walk again

Staff at the Ottawa Hospital's Rehabilitation Centre say they're hoping to get robotic 'exoskeletons' that can help people with mobility issues walk after getting an up-close demonstration.

Americancompany ReWalk'slowerbody-wrapping robotic frame runs off a computer and battery on a user's hip and is controlled by a "watch" on their wrist.

It moves the legs of people who can't move them on their own, allowing them to stand, walk and climb up and down stairs for four to six hours at a time on battery power.

"I think the emotional and psychological aspect to me is very important. Ican stand up and talk to you at eye level, Idon't have to feel like everyone is looking down upon me when they talk to me," said Robert Woo, a Canadian ReWalk userwho's paralyzed from the chest down.

"Simple things like giving my wife a hug standing up, it's very different than being in a chair. Being able to take my children to the park and not feeling like my wheelchair can't get over there."

Woo, who gave a demonstration to Ottawa Hospital staff Thursday morning and was set to do the same for patients later that evening, said there are health benefits too: he doesn't have to take as much pain medication and has better digestion and circulation from getting up and moving around.

Staff dream of uses

Health Canada approved the ReWalk exoskeletonin 2014, the only of its kind approved for everyday home use in Canada.

• ReWalkRobotics exoskeleton helps paraplegics to walk
• Paraplegic finds his feet with help from wearable exoskeleton 'ReWalk'

Edward Lemaire from the Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre said after the first demonstration this technology could be "extremely valuable" to their patients and it's important that they know it's an option.

"I've often said what we need to build is a walking clinic or walking sessions [for people who]don't own [an exoskeleton]," he said.

"It's like going to the gym, you have a three, four day a week exercise session, there are ways with the appropriate resources that we can create something for people with spinal cord injuries [in] eastern Ontario that they could get the other benefits."

A ReWalk exoskeleton costs around $96,000.

Company representative Pete Escalier said Thursday many users crowdfund to pay for their deviceand as more units are sold, the price could come down.