A doctor's referral is required to participate in this program.
For more information, call 612-262-7979.

Related links

• Advanced Rehabilitative Technologies (ART)
• Sister Kenny Research Center

Lokomat®

State-of-the-art technology to restore walking function

Lokomat® is a robot-assisted treadmill that supports a patient in an upright position while moving the legs through a normal walking pattern – even if a patient is unable to move his or her legs independently.

While similar treadmill technology has been in use for several years, the robotic assistance of Lokomat means patients with more severe injuries can benefit from gait therapy sooner in their recovery.

The Lokomat was funded by the Sister Kenny Foundation.

Who may benefit

Patients who can benefit the most from early gait therapy are those with significant disability due to stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury.

But Lokomat is not only for those who are just starting their rehabilitation.

Patients can benefit from the intensive training that Lokomat provides even years after their injury.

How it works

Sensors and other technology monitor the patient's gait pattern, measure changes in strength, range of motion and endurance over time, and allow the patient to gradually increase physical effort while ensuring safety.

The best way to restore walking function is to get the patient up and walking as early as possible in their rehabilitation.

In patients with brain injury and stroke, the involved side of the body responds to moving in the normal pattern of walking even if the patient does not have the strength to move his legs.

In those with a spinal cord injury, the therapy generates reflexes that allow input from the leg to move up the spinal cord.