HARRISBURG, Dec. 8, 2015 – Cutting edge robotic assistive technology designed to help people walk again gained an audience of leading state lawmakers today when Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione, representatives from the technology’s developer, and officials from Einstein Health Network’s MossRehab showcased the device.
The technology, Re-Walk, is a motorized exoskeleton that is helping people with paralysis to stand up, walk and regain a better quality of life. MossRehab’s Dr. Alberto Esquenazi has been working with Sen. Tartaglione and others with spinal injuries to use Re-Walk.
“Re-Walk has given me hope that I will one day be able to walk with its help,” Tartaglione said during the special demonstration. “I believe it will help many other people, too; especially members of our military who have been relegated to a wheelchair after suffering paralysis in battle.”
Sen. Tartaglione has practiced with Re-Walk but she did not demonstrate the technology today due to an ankle injury she suffered earlier this year.
“I am envisioning the day when I walk onto the Senate floor myself with the help of Re-Walk,” she said. “It’s also clear to me that this wonderful devise will return many Pennsylvanians to a way of life that is more familiar and independent.”
Re-Walk is an FDA-approved technology that can be used at home or work by individuals. It is also being used at rehabilitation facilities, like MossRehab.
According to its developers, Re-Walk is designed for “all-day walking” and even helps users go up and down stairs.
Sen. Randy Vulakovich (R-Allegheny) participated in today’s event.
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Contact: Mark Shade