The Lokomat is one of the core elements of our improvement programme at Neuron Centres. We have a total of 4 Lokomat devices in Our Centres, each equipped with a paediatric (paediatric) module, so that advanced gait therapy can be implemented from an early age.

Lokomat is a automated orthosis for gait assessment and learning. Lokomat is a unique device that allows gait training under dynamic weight-bearing conditions with simulation of the gait pattern for lower limb segments (thigh and shank), with the possibility of freely setting gait parameters (speed, stride length). The use of the orthosis allows for the precise execution of a maximum number of repetitions of gait cycles in the correct gait pattern, which is an essential element in the re-education of lost or disturbed gait function. In addition, it helps prevent compensation and pathological patterns in the early stages of improvement in neurological conditions.

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lokomat 4

The Lokomat prevents the perpetuation of pathological patterns at an early stage of neurological rehabilitation, and enables a very early start to the restoration of physiological movement in the patient. The dynamic pressure relief provided by the Lokomat enables early learning of gait in patients without sufficient muscle strength. The relief value is electronically controlled and adjusted to the patient’s needs.

Advantages of locomotor gait training:

  • minimising the adverse effects of prolonged immobilisation,
  • accelerating the return of function,
  • reduction of pathological muscle tension,
  • Normalisation of circulatory responses, improvement of trophic and peripheral circulation,
  • restoring correct movement and posture patterns.

Indications for the use of Lokomat rehabilitation:

  • conditions after strokes (cerebral or spinal)
  • conditions after spinal cord injuries
  • brain injuries
  • multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • childhood cerebral palsy (MPD)
  • Parkinson’s disease Endoprostheses (e.g. hip joint)
  • degenerative joint diseases of the lower limbs (e.g. arthritis of the knee)
  • spinal muscular atrophy
  • muscle weakness resulting from lack of exercise

Contraindications to the use of Lokomat rehabilitation:

  • inability of the orthosis to adapt to the body (lower limbs, e.g. due to significant deformities)
  • body weight over 135 kg
  • Instability of the skeletal system (unconsolidated fractures, spinal instability, fractures, advanced osteoporosis)
  • contraindications to full load
  • bedsores, epidermal abrasions of lower limbs
  • circulation problems
  • cardiac contraindications
  • uncooperative or (self-)aggressive behaviour, intermittent psychosis
  • severe cognitive deficits
  • patients under (long-term) infusion therapy
  • ventilator patients
  • spinal deformities (e.g. bone or cartilage dysplasia)
  • severe vascular disorders of the lower extremities
  • in general, patients with a recommendation for bed rest or immobilisation, e.g. due to osteoarthritis or other inflammatory/infectious conditions
  • hip, knee, ankle bracing

We also have a module for the Lokomat system for use with paediatric patients, which allows children from around 4 years of age to start therapy. The paediatric Lokomat is safe for the young patient.

The built-in biofeedback, which monitors the patient’s movements in real time, is excellent for motivating the patient to work even harder and facilitates progress in therapy. This uses a system of games and movement tasks, during which the patient watches his or her work and progress live on screen. This ensures that gait re-education is not boring and allows for greater involvement.

Therapy using the Lokomat in Our Neuron Centres is possible for adults as well as for children. All our devices have the possibility to work with the paediatric module. Additionally in our Neuron Rehabilitation Centre Male Gacno Lokomat is equipped with the FreeD module which complements the Lokomat therapy by supporting the body weight transfer and balance training through activation of lateral and rotational pelvic movements.

A therapy session using the Lokomat device includes: preparing the patient and the device for therapy, training for 25 to 45 minutes (depending on the patient’s ability) and unhooking the patient from the device.

Required documents for Locomotive therapy qualification:.

– current (no more than one year old) hip X-ray result (photograph on a plate or film)

– Patients with meningo-spinal hernia are additionally required to submit a bone density test result no older than 1 year, at the latest on the first day of the course or before enrolment in therapy.

Patients with spinal injuries are required to submit the result (photograph on disc or film) of a spinal x-ray no older than 1 year, at the latest on the first day of the course or before enrolment in therapy.