甜瓜视频app

Thanks to a robotic-assisted physical therapy method underway at a clinic housed in the Health and Human Sciences Building at 甜瓜视频app, a local man is getting back on his feet - literally.

The innovative device is one in a series of products by ReWalk, a medical device company that designs and develops mobility products for individuals with lower limb disabilities. While there are other manufacturers and systems, WCU is one of only two ReWalk training facilities in North Carolina.

鈥淚t is a robotic exoskeleton that enables manipulation of step rate, speed and mechanical features of hip, knee and ankle mobility,鈥� said Josh Jones, adjunct instructor and physical therapist. 鈥淔or the patient, it takes a clinician working one-on-one with them on both the technological side of training and the usual physical therapy aspects, including strength, balance, cardiovascular endurance and functional problem solving.鈥�

The patient is Daylan Carver, a 21-year-old from Graham County, injured in a 2018 motorcycle accident while avoiding a vehicle towing a trailer on a narrow mountain road. 鈥淭he goal is for Daylan to be able to have this device both at home and to use it for exercise and ambulation in the community,鈥� said Ashley Hyatt, assistant professor of physical therapy. 鈥淗e has no motor use of his legs and is now able to walk more than 1,000 feet by utilizing this device. That鈥檚 outstanding, especially for his level of injury.鈥�

From his home on Yellow Creek near Robbinsville, Carver said the device has opened up opportunities for him and that he is determined to achieve physical improvement with its help.

鈥淟earning to use ReWalk has been like learning to walk again,鈥� he said. 鈥淯sing it keeps me active, helps my body through exercise and helps me all around. I push myself, but I have help and support, and that makes a real difference. Josh and Ashley encourage me, and it鈥檚 a great experience. It鈥檚 making a big difference in my life.鈥�

Carver鈥檚 robotics therapy is coordinated through Harris Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, one of several public clinics located on the ground floor of WCU鈥檚 Health and Human Sciences Building, with support from health care professions students and faculty.

鈥淯ltimately, I think this work gives a glimpse into the future of what robotics could do for patients who suffer from any number of physical ailments that might affect their ability to walk,鈥� said Jones. 鈥淢y hope is that - with the credentialing and training - we will be able to finally offer our rural community and the western reaches of the state another option in improving the quality of life and functional mobility.鈥�

For more information on WCU鈥檚 Department of Physical Therapy program鈥檚 clinical engagement and public service, call 828-227-2290.

甜瓜视频app the Physical Therapy Program