Specialized Technology Drives Patient Outcomes

Research has shown that thousands of repetitions drive positive patient outcomes following a traumatic injury or illness. Specialized technology can enable this repetition. Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals’ state-of-the-art gait and mobility lab houses an array of specialty rehabilitation equipment that has helped many patients maximize their independence, including the Aretech ZeroG? Gait and Balance System and the LiteGait?.

Madonna’s Technology Center?

Madonna is proud to have two Aretech ZeroG? systems onsite. This robotic body-weight support system helps patients improve their gait patterns and balance control. Mounted to an overhead track, the Aretech ZeroG? offers dynamic support as patients practice walking or climbing stairs while secured in a safety harness. The computer interface also features biofeedback activities, free walking, resisted walking, and perturbations. However, according to Madonna physical therapist Kelly Billings, PT, C/NDT, the ZeroG’s “wow factor” lies in its fall protection capabilities.

“The ZeroG provides patients a sense of security from falls, which promotes confidence while attempting activities they would not otherwise feel comfortable performing,” Billings said. “The device also decreases the therapist as a barrier in therapy; what I mean by that is the patient is less likely to be afraid of hurting their therapist if they fall or lean, and it facilitates the patient to learn through movement and errors.”

A patient may also be an excellent candidate to use the LiteGait?, which is a body-weight-supported treadmill training system. This suspension system, positioned over a treadmill, supports a percentage of the patient’s body weight as they walk on the treadmill at various speeds. Madonna’s specially trained physical therapists provide manual assistance to improve the individual’s walking pattern, postural control, motor recovery, strength, and endurance.?

Meet Zena Schmelzle

Fifty-one-year-old Zena Schmelzle used both the Aretech ZeroG? and the LiteGait? as she recovered from Guillain-Barré syndrome at Madonna. When she arrived, the early childhood special education teacher couldn’t walk or eat solid foods. However, aided by her Madonna care team and specialized technology, she soon regained her mobility. She started her physical therapy sessions in Madonna’s warm water aquatic pool, which helped increase her strength and her tolerance to weight bearing. From there, Zena progressed to using Madonna’s state-of-the-art gait and mobility lab to standing with a walker and eventually taking her first steps in the parallel bars.

“I remember [it was] on a Friday, I couldn't do anything in the research lab, and they were trying to get me to walk. I was in a harness and I couldn't do it,” Zena said. “And on Tuesday, I was standing on my own.”

Now, at home with her family, Zena says that Madonna’s physician-led staff made a huge difference.

“Madonna made it fun,” she said. “I think that’s a great tribute to their personalities.”