Sunnaas Hospital has positive experience with the Innowalk Pro

Challenge

Long-time hospitalization and long-time immobilization can have a negative effect on muscles and skeletal systems, lungs, heart, digestive system and to orthostatic dysfunction. Until recently the main intervention for mobilization after traumatic brain injury has been the use of tilt tables, in-bed cycling and manual mobilization by manpower.

Solution

New innovative technology is now on the market, and a more dynamic type of standing is available, also for patients with TBI. The overall experiences from the study have, from a clinical physiotherapy perspective, been very positive.

The department, who has been involved in using the device, experienced an opportunity to provide more variation in the treatment offering during rehabilitation. Observations of the patients using the device have shown the following:

• Patients show positive reactions while moving their legs in the device. The patients often react by smiling.
• Patients with agitated behaviour become calmer during active standing in the Innowalk Pro compared to static standing in standing tables.
• Patients with reduced levels of consciousness, increase their alertness during active standing in the Innowalk Pro. They stay awake and open their eyes for a longer time.

Result

Several patients who have used the device during the rehabilitation period have gained the ability to walk independently before being discharged from the hospital. Some patients who have not gained the ability to walk and want to continue the activity in the Innowalk Pro, have had the option of applying for an individual Innowalk for home use.

The cooperation with Sunnaas Hospital has evolved, and a new study is planned with start during 2019. The research will focus on the physiological response to dynamic standing versus static standing in patients with a severe head injury.

Image: Sunnaas sykehus HF/Bård Gudim.