RICHMOND, Calif., Sept. 18, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:EKSO), a robotic exoskeleton company, today announced new findings from a feasibility study conducted by Kessler Foundation, which reported that eight stroke patients who were prescribed gait training during inpatient rehabilitation training, safely increased their cadence (steps per minute) after six weeks of rehabilitation with the assistance of the Ekso™ GT robotic exoskeleton. The patients were gait trained using the Ekso device for 25% of their total physical therapy time. Average cadence with the Ekso robotic exoskeleton was 17.1 at initial session, which increased to 27.67 by the final session. The study "Gait Training of Stroke Patients using a Robotic Exoskeleton during Inpatient Rehabilitation: Feasibility Study" was presented by Karen J. Nolan, PhD, research scientist at Kessler Foundation during the International Workshop of Wearable Robotics in Baiona, Pontevedra, Spain from September 14-19.
The Ekso GT is a uniquely designed wearable exoskeleton robotic suit enabling individuals with any amount of lower extremity weakness to stand up and walk over ground with a natural, full weight bearing, reciprocal gait. It is also the only exoskeleton available for use with stroke patients to help them re-learn proper step patterns and weight shifts using a functionally based platform.
"We observed several beneficial outcomes from training with the Ekso," said Dr. Nolan, the principal investigator of the study. "When wearing the device, there was increased knee flexion and voluntary muscle activation. All of this evidence is demonstrating that the Ekso GT can provide intensive motor practice for stroke gait rehabilitation."
According to the study, the Ekso GT proved to be a safe device to use for gait training of stroke survivors in an inpatient rehabilitation environment, and in fact, especially benefited individuals who were less functionally independent ambulators. At the conclusion of the study, all patients were standing up longer and taking more steps, with approximate standing and walking times with the Ekso GT of 35 and 18 minutes, respectively, per session.
"It is inspiring to see the positive results of this study and a proud moment for Ekso to be a part of impacting peoples' live for the better," said Nathan Harding, Co-Founder and CEO of Ekso Bionics. "We are proud to work with a world-renowned institution such as Kessler Foundation to demonstrate the ability of our technology to support enhanced rehabilitation gait training for stroke patients."
About Kessler Foundation
Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility and long-term outcomes, including employment, for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit KesslerFoundation.org.
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Carolann Murphy, PA; 973.324.8382; CMurphy@KesslerFoundation.org
Lauren Scrivo, 973.324.8384/973.768.6583 (cell); LScrivo@KesslerFoundation.org
About Ekso Bionics
Since 2005, Ekso Bionics has been pioneering the field of robotic exoskeletons, or wearable robots, to augment human strength, endurance and mobility. The company's first commercially available product called Ekso has helped thousands of people living with paralysis take millions of steps not otherwise possible. By designing and creating some of the most forward-thinking and innovative solutions for people looking to augment human capabilities, Ekso Bionics is helping people rethink current physical limitations and achieve the remarkable.
Ekso Bionics is headquartered in Richmond, CA and is listed on the OTC QB under the symbol EKSO. To learn more about Ekso Bionics please visit us at www.eksobionics.com
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Twitter: @eksobionics
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Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding (i) the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including plans or objectives relating to the design, development and commercialization of human exoskeletons, (ii) a projection of income (including income/loss), earnings (including earnings/loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items, (iii) the Company's future financial performance and (iv) the assumptions underlying or relating to any statement described in points (i), (ii) or (iii) above. Such forward-looking statements are not meant to predict or guarantee actual results, performance, events or circumstances and may not be realized because they are based upon the Company's current projections, plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations, estimates and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other influences, many of which the Company has no control over. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may influence or contribute to the inaccuracy of the forward-looking statements or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation, the Company's inability to obtain adequate financing, the significant length of time and resources associated with the development of our products and related insufficient cash flows and resulting illiquidity, the Company's inability to expand the Company's business, significant government regulation of medical devices and the healthcare industry, lack of product diversification, volatility in the price of the Company's raw materials, existing or increased competition, results of arbitration and litigation, stock volatility and illiquidity, and the Company's failure to implement the Company's business plans or strategies. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in the Company's filings with the SEC, including, the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on March 31, 2014 and the Company's latest Form 10-Q filed on August 8, 2014. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements.