New Studies Highlight Additional Benefits of Rehabilitation With Exoskeletons
May 19 2014 - 7:00AM
Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:EKSO), a robotic exoskeleton
company, announced today that three new studies were presented over
the weekend by respected researchers from Bergmannstrost Center in
Germany, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami
(UM) Miller School of Medicine, and Mt Sinai Hospital in New York.
The Company believes these studies are indicative of the growing
level of interest in exoskeletons as an effective tool for over
ground ambulation and gait training.
In a first study conducted by the Miami Project, three of three
subjects with chronic complete SCI (AISA), reported a reduction in
pain severity over the study period. Jochen Kressler, Ph.D., Lead
Investigator for the Miami Project studies said: "In the initial
3-subject case series on people with complete spinal cord injuries,
our senior investigators undertook a survey approach of several
body systems and complications to examine where the bionic
exoskeletons might benefit health and function. Study participants
were able to walk in the device - upright and weight bearing - at
slow but comfortable speeds for up to 1 hour without undue fatigue.
Improvements were seen for pain severity and markers associated
with cardiometabolic disease. These are now being pursued in
follow-up investigations."
Dr. Mark Nash, Principal Investigator for the Miami Project and
Professor of Neurological Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine at
the UM Miller School of Medicine added, "We are encouraged by our
early study findings and experiences, and are now seeking ways in
which to expand benefits of bionic ambulation for both human
performance and prevention of secondary medical complications
accompanying SCI."
In a study at Bergmann Center study measuring quality of life,
patients reported their pain was reduced from walking in an Ekso
Bionics™ exoskeleton. The Company believes pain reduction is a
particularly meaningful benefit when one considers a possible
correlating reduction of medication and side effects. The
Bergmannstrost Center also reported a reduction in spasticity and
an overall improvement in quality of life. All 13 subjects stated
that the ability to stand and walk over ground again had a definite
positive effect in mental wellbeing. As the study described, "To be
able to approach someone at eye level and literally be able 'to
look someone in the eye' again was often described as
incredible."
Research institutes including Kessler Foundation, Rehabilitation
Institute of Chicago and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Research
Center have previously reported positive preliminary clinical
results. These new studies add to a growing body of evidence
showing the benefits of rehabilitation with exoskeletons with no
adverse effects reported. These additional studies are important
for Ekso Bionics because not only do they validate some of the
previously hypothesized benefits, they allow them to make more
direct claims to the benefits of being upright and walking in an
Ekso GT™ suit. Additionally, the Bergmannstrost and Mt Sinai study
protocols had both paraplegia and incomplete tetraplegia patients
using Ekso Bionics' exoskeleton. Ekso GT is currently the only
device where this variety of assist is possible and the Company
believes this feature is a significant differentiator for use in
rehabilitation centers and clinics.
Ekso Bionics designs, develops, and commercializes exoskeletons,
or wearable robots, which have a variety of applications in the
medical, military, industrial, and consumer markets. Exoskeletons
are ready-to-wear, battery-powered robots that are strapped over
the user's clothing, enabling individuals to achieve mobility,
strength, and endurance not otherwise possible. Ekso Bionics' lead
product, EksoTM, is a wearable bionic suit that enables individuals
with any amount of lower extremity weakness to stand up and walk
over ground. Ekso is forging a new frontier in rehabilitation for
people living with the consequences of stroke, spinal cord injury
and other neurological conditions affecting gait.
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
Facebook: www.facebook.com/eksobionics
Twitter: @eksobionics
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/EksoBionics/
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 filed on March 31, 2014 and
the Company's latest Form 10-Q filed on May 13, 2014. The
Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking
statements.
CONTACT: Media Contact:
Heidi Darling, Marketing Manager
Phone: 415.302.4777
hdarling@eksobionics.com
Investor Contact:
Lauren Glaser, Vice President
Phone: 646.378.2972
lglaser@troutgroup.com
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