“Gone for a Walk” reads the note placed on the empty seat of the wheelchair. This is not a bad joke: Lea Habekost, normally using this wheelchair, has really taken off for a little walk – although she is paralysed from the 10th thoracic vertebra. To this end, the 24-year old has put on a type of supporting system that enables her to not only stand up but also walk: a so-called exoskeleton called ReWalk. “A recognised medical aid funded by sickness funds provided the medical criteria are met,” says Andreas Bolte of producer Lifeward (Hall 4 / A03). Those wanting to use it need to practice for a few weeks – but then they can talk to others at eye-level and walk with this exoskeleton for up to four hours. This is the battery life. “I feel visible again and am no longer lost in the crowd the way I was when I was still moving in my wheelchair,” says Lea Habekost.
How such exoskeletons help people continue to work is demonstrated by the EXO Park of the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation (IPA) in Hall 1 / Stand G17 at REHACARE 2024. “It primarily aims to reduce the workload for assembly and logistics workers,” explains department head Dr. Urs Schneider. At the joint stand with exoskeleton manufacturers the possibilities of lifting heavy boxes in a back-friendly manner, for example, will be demonstrated.
Relieve – and mobilise – people
Relief is also an important topic for the United Robotics Group: the company is presenting ‘Robert’, a robot that can be used as a therapy device in rehabilitation (Hall 1 / A51). “It can be driven up to the patient’s bed and helps them with exercises that stimulate the muscles, for example. They can work against the robot during training – without the therapist needing to get physically involved,” explains Senior Sales Manager Chris Dunker.
The Düsseldorf-based company CUREosity (Hall 6 / D25) also wants to mobilise people but is taking a different, digital approach to achieve this: patients are given VR glasses and immerse themselves in virtual reality where they pick fruit from trees, for example, while practising certain movements almost in passing. “The gaming-based approach motivates and gives patients feedback on their successes,” says Laura Teichmann from CUREosity. The therapy plan can be used to individually determine how intense and strenuous the training should be for each patient. According to Laura Teichmann, virtual training is now used in more than 100 clinics and practices in 24 countries for rehabilitation after strokes or injuries, for example.
Sunrise Medical (Hall 6 / C07) has its sights set on another type of mobility: Product Manager Michael Kroener is elegantly navigating a small wheelchair through the halls of REHACARE 2024, with a lightweight pull device in the form of a city scooter: the Empulse F35. “This gives me a very small turning circle and I can easily get through the crowds,” emphasises Kroener, turning his wheelchair on the spot, as it were. The pull device, which can be adapted to all wheelchairs and is removable, can travel at speeds of up to 15 kilometres per hour. “I use it outside on cobblestones, but it’s also good for driving over carpets indoors,” says the man, who has been in a wheelchair for over 30 years.
Sitting properly, taking the pain away
And since sitting properly in a wheelchair can be a problem, Invacare (Hall 6 / C14) has developed a back shell that can be individually adapted to the torso of the person using it. “This is done by local medical supply retailers,” explains Claudia Wels from Invacare, and adds: “The adjustment allows people in wheelchairs to assume a pressure-relieving position that helps prevent pain.”
The Exopulse Suit made by medical technology provider Ottobock (Hall 6 / C 30) was also designed to relieve pain and reduce spasms. “A newly developed electrode concept is used to stimulate the nerves,” explains Alexander Hardt from Ottobock. For user Ayleen Walter, it feels “like a wellness session”. She wears the suit for an hour, but says she feels the effects for up to 48 hours afterwards. “The system can be controlled via an app and the stimulation can up or down-regulated,” says Alexander Hardt.
Stylish assistance
Those in need of assistance can still get around elegantly and stylishly: Ulrike Mann shows how it’s done with her CityCaddy (Hall 1 / D14), as does Ulrike Vollmoeller with Frida Lüh with ‘Iris & Fred’ (Hall 1 / D 16) at the neighbouring stand: the beautifully designed CityCaddy is both a shopping and walking aid without looking like a “classic” walker. For those who love elegant blouses or shirts but have difficulty buttoning them due to illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, there is an invisible fashionable solution: ‘Iris & Fred’ have sewn magnets into the button panel and developed a jacket that can also be quickly transformed into a pullover with the help of magnets.
About REHACARE 2024
REHACARE 2024 is the leading platform for people with special needs as well as their families, carers, experts and companies from the medical supply sector. Every year experts from specialist medical supply retail, medical professionals as well as visitors from Europe and overseas come together in Düsseldorf to present and experience the latest developments and trends in mobility, accessible living and workplace design, inclusive leisure offerings as well as medical aids and assistive technology for people with disabilities. Scientists as well as political decision-makers and funding authorities are also represented here. Furthermore, the numerous expert forums provide scope for policital and social discourse. REHACARE has been organised by Messe Düsseldorf since 1977. In 2024 over 950 exhibitors from 40 countries and 44,000 visitors from 85 countries took part.
For visuals on the Guided Innovation Tour go to the following link: https://medianet.messe-duesseldorf.de/press/rehacare/main
For more information on REHACARE 2024 including the exhibitors’ and event programme, please visit the official website of the trade fair: www.rehacare.de
Press contact:
Monika Kühnhenrich-Jacoby
Tel. +49 (0) 211/4560-620
E-Mail: KuehnhenrichM@messe-duesseldorf.de
Upon publication we would appreciate a reference copy.
