Hirob
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robot-assisted movement therapy for the improvement of trunk control and stability

with Council Directive The "hirob" rehabilitation robot enables unique movement therapy for the improvement of trunk control and stability in patients with neurological deficits. Using a seat shaped like a horse's back, the "hirob" simulates the path of motion as it would result from a horse's walking movement and thus enables automated hippotherapy to be conducted. The complex, three-dimensional movement which takes place in a horse's back as the animal walks was recorded using a 3D motion analysis system and then implemented in the robot's configuration. The resulting physiological...

Therapy involving the "hirob" produces: ■ increased activity of the trunk and back muscles ■ enhanced selective pelvis movement ■ improved ability to maintain a straight pelvis and upper body posture ■ improved trunk stability ■ improved static and dynamic balance This can be achieved by the dynamic, three-dimensional movement of the robot and the device's seat which is shaped like a natural horse's back (without a saddle). Movement Individualization During the full duration of therapy, the patient must actively react to the robot's movements. As a result, trunk stability and balance are...

Clinical Study In order to evaluate therapy involving the "hirob", a clinical study was conducted under the direction of Associate Professor Dr. Leopold Saltuari and Dr. Andreas Mayr at Hochzirl Hospital. Twelve patients with neurological defects which occurred following a traumatic brain injury or stroke took part in the study. The study essentially consisted of three phases each lasting three weeks. During the first phase, the patients received conventional treatment in the rehabilitation clinic. In the second phase, an ad- ditional five therapy treatments per week, each lasting 20...

Essentially, a therapy session involving the "hirob" is indicated for all pathologies causing trunk instability. A clinical study confirmed very positive effects in patients suffering from neuro- logical deficits, e.g. after a stroke or traumatic brain injury. The therapy has also led to very positive results in patients with multiple sclerosis and children with cerebral palsy. Other potential fields of application for the "hirob" include patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, paraplegia or orthopedic diseases. Clinical studies which attest positive effects in pa- tients with these...

intelligent motion "The three-dimensional movement of the horseback-shaped seat leads to improved trunk and pelvis control, and forces the patient to maintain his/ her pelvis in a straight posture in order to maintain balance. The prospective study we conducted enabled us to prove that within three weeks of therapy involving the "hirob", results in the trunk control test improved significantly. This therapy supports patients in the process of regaining the ability to walk as standing and walking without assistance require efficient trunk and pelvis Dr. Leopold Saltuari, Associate Professor,...