Ekso Bionics provides exoskeletons to hospitals in Florida

Ekso Bionics, a developer of exoskeleton technology for medical and industrial use, has expanded partnership with Kindred Healthcare, bringing EksoNR, the most clinically used robotic exoskeleton, to four of Kindred’s Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals in the US.

The multi-unit order follows a successful pilot program of the EksoNR last year.

EksoNR has become a standard of care within Kindred’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals by driving patient outcomes in neurorehabilitation through early mobility and gait training.

In 2019, Kindred executed a proof of concept in the Houston LTAC market and, after a successful implementation, launched three additional Ekso programs in the Houston-metro area in 2020.

Kindred’s recent addition of acute inpatient rehabilitation units to select LTAC hospitals across the country offers a unique continuum of care designed to help patients recover from debilitating effects of an acute injury, impairment, or illness such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, orthopedic injury, neurological conditions, amputation and trauma.

The LTAC locations incorporating EksoNR technology will be at Kindred’s Florida hospitals in Green Cove Springs, Tampa / St Pete, Fort Lauderdale, and Melbourne.

Mike Warrington, president of Kindred Healthcare’s hospital division, says: “We are excited to expand our partnership with Ekso Bionics and build on our leadership position in acute patient services with the addition of these innovative EksoNR devices.

“The EksoNR, combined with its specialized gait training, has proven to deliver game changing results in helping patients relearn how to walk following a devastating stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury.

“Bringing the latest cutting edge exoskeleton technology to our LTAC hospitals reinforces our commitment to patient care.”

EksoNR is a robotic exoskeleton device that empowers patients recovering from acquired brain injury, stroke, and spinal cord injury to learn to walk again with a more natural gait.

The device contains posture and clinician control, SmartAssist software, adaptive gait training, and pre-ambulatory tools among other features designed for patients to mobilize earlier and restore independence.

Jack Peurach, CEO and President of Ekso Bionics, says: “Our robust partnership and this multi-unit order with Kindred are a testament to our shared goals and patient-driven values.

“As the first network to explore the benefits of EksoNR in the LTAC setting, Kindred has always been at the forefront of patient care. We look forward to continue advancing our relationship throughout the Kindred network.”