Ottobock Professionals, a German company specializing in prosthetics and assistive technologies, has gained attention for their groundbreaking electric body suit. This innovative device offers hope for millions of individuals facing mobility challenges due to conditions like multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.
Ottobock Professionals: Revolutionizing Mobility with Their Electric Body Suit
The electric body suit uses 58 electrodes to provide gentle electrical stimulation to 40 key muscle groups in the legs, hips, and lower back, aiding in walking by relaxing spastic muscles. Customizable to user’s specifications, such as height, weight, and physical ability, this suit shows tremendous potential in enhancing mobility for individuals with mobility impairments.
“When you turn a suit on, you activate a lot of electrodes on the inside of a suit to reach muscles that the brain cannot reach…the suit replaces the signal that the brain cannot produce anymore,” explained Fredrick Lundqvist, creator of the Exopulse Mollii Suit. (2)
Easy Walking
The electric body suit enables smoother and less effortful walking for individuals with spasticity, who often struggle to control their movements. Through targeted electrical stimulation, the suit relaxes muscles and enhances their responsiveness, facilitating easier and more coordinated walking.
Promising Results
Preliminary field tests of the electric body suit have already yielded promising results, with users reporting increased confidence, independence, and improved functionality. While still in development, this device has the potential to greatly impact the lives of individuals worldwide, offering a new level of independence and mobility.
“It’s allowed me to become more confident…to be able to get things and do things like everyone else,” shared Moya-May Kelly, a 12-year-old with cerebral palsy. (3)
The Expulse Suit
The Exopulse jacket and pants, made from breathable and washable materials, offer a non-invasive mobility solution with minimal reported side effects. While immediate results are common, consistent therapy and effort are necessary for long-term benefits, as neural pathways adapt and improve with continued use.
“If they show a benefit, these patients need to continue with this therapy…beneficial new neural pathways are developed, reducing the reliance on the device,” explained Dr. Mark Jeffery. (4)
Ottobock Progessionals
With a rich history of innovation since 1919, Ottobock Professionals have consistently pushed boundaries in prosthetics and assistive technologies. The electric body suit reflects their dedication to enhancing mobility for individuals with diverse challenges, offering customizable solutions and cutting-edge technology for improved independence and functionality.
As this technology advances, it holds the potential to transform the lives of millions, providing new opportunities for those previously reliant on wheelchairs or traditional mobility aids. Ottobock’s commitment to innovation continues to drive progress in the field of assistive technology, offering hope for a more accessible and mobile future.
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Sources
- “An electric body suit helps people with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, walk.” Interesting Engineering. Deena Theresa. December 2022.
- “The ‘life-changing’ electric suit.” BBC. Myra Anubi. December 3, 2022.
- “High-tech body suit gives Dublin girl with celebral palsy new lease on life.” Newstalk. May 2022.
- “What Is The Mollii Suit? How Does It Work?.” Surfers Health. Suvi. February 2021.
- “100 years of mobility for people.” Ottobock
