Robotics and Motion
Overground Wearable Exoskeleton⎮Robotic Gait Training at PYONG Rehabilitation
Expense
6,000-9,000 บาท/ครั้ง (THB)
An individualized treatment plan will be determined by the physician after an assessment, based on the patient’s condition and goals.
Overground Wearable Exoskeleton⎮Robotic Gait Training at PYONG Rehabilitation
Table of Content
The Overground Wearable Exoskeleton is a robotic device designed to “support and drive” the hip and knee joints, allowing individuals with muscle weakness or balance deficits to practice standing and walking safely. It is particularly beneficial for patients with neurological disorders such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and elderly individuals with mobility issues. Key advantages of this type of robotic gait training include increasing the number of steps a patient can practice, ensuring the patient walks with the correct, natural pattern, reducing the burden on caregivers, and boosting confidence during training.
At PYONG Rehabilitation Penthouse Clinic (11th Floor, Gaysorn Tower, near BTS Chidlom), all procedures are conducted and supervised by a Rehabilitation Medicine specialist and a multidisciplinary team to design a personalized and safe program that provides training closely matched to the patient’s real-life condition.
What is the Overground Wearable Exoskeleton?
A wearable Exoskeleton is a robotic structure worn around the trunk and legs, using electric motors to drive the hip and knee joints. The robot is controlled by a computer and sensors that receive signals from the patient’s movement, helping the patient “take steps” with improved rhythm and symmetry. During training, crutches/walkers and supportive equipment are used as appropriate, under the close supervision of a physical therapist and physician.
At PYONG Rehabilitation Penthouse, we offer the most advanced Overground Wearable Exoskeleton for Gait & Mobility Systems model, manufactured in Italy. This technology helps restore function for patients with severe mobility limitations, especially stroke patients or those with hemiparesis. The technology allows patients to practice walking in a manner close to natural gait, stimulates neurological learning, and promotes independence in movement.
Why Choose Exoskeleton Training at PYONG Rehabilitation?
- Advanced Technology & Safety Standard: The Exoskeleton at PYONG Rehabilitation is the most advanced Overground Wearable Exoskeleton for Gait & Mobility Systems model from Italy, meeting European safety standards. It uses a strong yet lightweight material structure, making it comfortable to wear and move in. It can adjust the level of assistance based on the patient’s strength and is designed to fit various body types, making it highly effective for real-life walking training.
- Superior Stimulation (Overground vs. Treadmill): Compared to other walking aids (like walkers, canes, or typical treadmill-assisted robotic devices), the Exoskeleton at PYONG Rehabilitation provides better muscle and neurological stimulation because the patient walks “Overground” (on actual floor, not a treadmill belt). This results in the brain learning to walk again in a manner closer to natural conditions.
- Comprehensive Modes and Design: Compared to other Overground Wearable Exoskeleton models, the one at PYONG Rehabilitation features three diverse training modes: Passive, Active-assisted, and Active, allowing assistance to be adjusted based on the patient’s strength and ability. It effectively stimulates the brain and muscles for gait recovery, includes an internal data logging system, and is designed to support 8 patient joints (compared to other exoskeletons that often support only 6), making the gait training as close to natural as possible.
- Thailand’s Unique Clinic: PYONG Rehabilitation is the only rehabilitation clinic in Thailand to offer this cutting-edge robotic model as a technology to help patients achieve high-intensity, repetitive, and correct gait training. This is crucial for stimulating Neuroplasticity and promoting walking recovery, especially during the “Golden Period” (the first 6 months post-onset) when the brain has the highest potential for recovery.
- Holistic Neurological Care: Every case begins with an assessment by a Rehabilitation Medicine physician and collaborative planning with physical/occupational therapists, speech therapists, clinical psychologists, and dietitians as needed. Robotic gait training is integrated with other forms of rehabilitation to maximize the steps and quality of practice relevant to daily life.
- Convenient Location: The clinic is centrally located at Gaysorn Tower, 11th Floor (BTS Chidlom), facilitating continuous training and monthly follow-ups.
How the Exoskeleton Works
The core concept is to “assist the patient in practicing personalized, essential walking skills repeatedly” to stimulate neuroplasticity. The robot helps stabilize the trunk and hips, reduces the risk of falling, and guides the correct stepping pattern. This allows the patient to achieve a higher number of steps within a limited time while receiving real-time movement data.
Service Steps (Step-by-Step):
- Rehabilitation Physician Assessment: Screening for readiness: height/weight, range of motion, joint contractures, cardiac/pulmonary status, skin, and bones.
- Fitting and Calibration: Adjusting the device to the patient.
- Exoskeleton Preparation: Device checks.
- Overground Gait Training: The patient wears the Exoskeleton and begins walking on the floor, supervised by a therapist and using appropriate assistive devices.
- Adjustment and Progression: The force, speed, and number of walking cycles/distance/incline are adjusted based on the patient’s response.
- Cool-down, Summary, and Home Program: Reducing speed/force and planning continued practice at home.
Sensation During Training: The patient will feel their legs being “supported and propelled to step” consistently. Straps are snug, and pressure points are checked regularly. If the patient feels fatigue or muscle tension, the session will be paused, and the program adjusted immediately (the mode of assistance used depends on the patient’s condition). (FDA Access Data)
Conditions Suitable for Exoskeleton Training
- Stroke patients with hemiparesis or leg weakness.
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) patients with the potential for walking recovery.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients with gait issues.
- Parkinson’s Disease patients with balance problems and initiation of movement issues.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) patients.
- Individuals with muscle weakness from other causes affecting gait.
- Suitable for those requiring high-intensity gait training with the goal of maximizing walking recovery.
Academic Evidence for Exoskeleton Training
- A 2024 Meta-Analysis found that Overground Exoskeleton training helps increase “walking speed” in stroke patients compared to standard physical therapy, but it needs to be paired with other therapy programs for optimal efficacy. (PMC) Additionally, 2023–2024 research concludes that exoskeleton-assisted training shows promise in improving gait function for post-stroke patients, with intensity and appropriate session frequency significantly impacting outcomes. (PMC, Frontiers)
- For Spinal Cord Injury patients, multiple studies confirm that overground exoskeletons help develop standing and walking skills in a real-world environment under appropriate screening and supervision. (BioMed Central)
- In Parkinson’s Disease, new research suggests that high-intensity exercise with an exoskeleton may contribute to the development of motor memory and overall walking skills. (Nature)
Recommended Training frequency
The optimal frequency, as suggested by research, is typically around 2–3 times per week, continuously for at least 4–8 weeks or longer depending on the treatment plan. Each session targets a sufficient number of steps, distance, or walking time tailored to the individual patient, and the level of assistance is adjusted based on progress. “Dose of training” (frequency × duration × steps) is a critical variable for results. Exoskeleton training should be combined with balance, strengthening, and other walking programs for maximum efficacy. The Rehabilitation Medicine specialist will determine the appropriate frequency for each individual based on medical limitations, functional capacity, and the goals of the patient and family. (PMC)
Expected Outcomes
Short-term (First session – First week):
Most patients report increased confidence in standing and starting to step, feel a more consistent stepping pattern, and can increase the number of practice steps per session when the assistance system is appropriately configured.
Long-term (4–6 weeks and beyond):
Most patients report improved walking ability, including speed, distance, stability, pattern, and confidence, and feel they can reduce reliance on walking aids or caregivers.
Contraindications and Precautions
Before treatment, all patients receive a medical history review and physical examination by a physician for safety screening. Common precautions include:
- Height/Weight must be within the range supported by the device (varies by model).
- Severe osteoporosis, unhealed fractures, or compromised skin integrity in areas where straps are placed.
- Severe joint contractures or insufficient range of motion for the required stepping pattern.
- Very severe muscle spasticity (e.g., MAS > 3).
- Uncontrolled blood pressure, unstable heart/lung conditions, orthostatic hypotension, or inability to stand.
- Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or other contraindications to weight-bearing.
- The patient must have sufficient arm/shoulder strength to use crutches or a walker (in some protocols).
Guidelines from manufacturers and clinical research suggest that with proper screening and training by a certified team, the use of robotic gait training is highly safe. (eksobionics.com, BlueShieldCA, PMC)
Cost
The service fee for Robotic Gait Training starts at approximately 6,000–9,000 Baht per session (THB), depending on the chosen package or intensive rehabilitation program. Each case requires an initial assessment by the medical team and specialists to screen for safety, set treatment goals, and design the appropriate treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1) Who is suitable for Robotic Gait Training?
A: Stroke patients, Parkinson’s patients, individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury, the elderly with mobility issues, or anyone needing to increase steps safely. Physician assessment is required.
Q2) How many sessions are needed to see results?
A:Typically 2–3 sessions/week for 4–8 weeks, combined with other supplementary programs. The physician adjusts based on the patient’s goals and actual ability. (PMC)
Q3) Is it safe?
A: When contraindications are screened and training is conducted by a certified team, adverse events are rare. We check skin integrity, blood pressure, and fatigue signs frequently during training. (PMC)
Q4) What are the height/weight requirements?
A: Each model supports a different range, typically around 160–190 cm in height and a weight of . The team will measure and conduct a fitting before starting. (BlueShieldCA)
5) How is it different from a treadmill-based robot?
A: The overground system allows training “on the actual floor,” making the practice context closer to daily life and improving the transfer of skills for real-world use, whereas treadmill robots focus on repetitive, continuous rhythm control.
Choosing a clinic specializing in pain and neurological disorders, overseen by expert specialized physicians like PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic and PYONG Rehabilitation Penthouse, ensures patients receive effective and safe care with modern technology. This increases the opportunity for patients to recover and regain a better quality of life quickly.
