Stimulator Restores Motor Functions

A functional electrical stimulation (FES) device is used to restore motor function to previously paralyzed muscles. This RT300-S FES motorized cycle ergometer has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The RT300-S delivers electrical currents to activate the quadriceps, hamstring, and glutual muscles, enabling the legs to move through a regular patterned physical activity. Clinical studies have shown that paralyzed patients can regain some function through the use of patterned physical activity such as cycling, using this new device.

"Studies reveal that such activity improves patients' quality of life by promoting overall physical integrity, improving cardiovascular health, preventing skin breakdown, and reducing the incidence of osteoporosis and other secondary complications resulting from prolonged immobility,” observed John McDonald, M.D., Ph.D., founder of Restorative Therapies, Inc. (Baltimore, MD, USA), which developed the RT300-S.

The company has also developed a pediatric model, RT300-SP for children, aged four to 12 years. "As an important activity in the lives of those with neurological impairment, this is a therapy that individuals, especially children whose nervous systems are still developing, can do now to promote their general health and physical well-being,” added Dr. McDonald.

Besides its clinical efficacy, the RT300-S also breaks the usability barrier by setting new standards for both clinic and home use with its portable, small size, easy drive-up usage straight from the wheelchair and automated stimulation therapy that a patient can use independently. "By using Pocket PC, Blue Tooth, and Windows mobile technologies, the RT300-S sets a new technological benchmark in the field of rehabilitation,” noted Andrew Barriskill, CEO of Restorative Therapies.




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Restorative Therapies