Rewalk is a great tool that can help drastically improve the lives of
those bound to wheelchairs in many ways. The system basically mimics the
motion of walking by attaching a pair of robotic legs to someone’s real
legs. A computer strapped to the back then moves the legs, allowing the
user to “walk.” This seemingly miraculous technology allows paraplegics
and the disabled to regain strength, bone density, and cardiovascular health
simply from the motion of walking. These people have been forced to sit
for so long that this upright mobility can really help get their bodies moving
in ways that just cannot be done from the confinements of a wheelchair.
The ability to be able to actually get up and walk around also greatly boosts
the users’ morale. It gives them more confidence and security and allows
them to make level eye contact, something that we take for granted but is very
uplifting to those who are used to constantly being below everyone around them.
The
Rewalk’s function and structure itself has many positive aspects as well.
For one, it allows the individual to have a wide range of mobility—walking,
turning, sitting, and even climbing stairs. The Rewalk can also be of use
to a wide range of people, being able to fit anyone who weighs up to 220 pounds
and is between 5’3” and 6’3”, making it a very versatile piece of technology.
Although there
are a lot of positive things about the Rewalk, there are negative aspects as
well. One problem is that Rewalk can only
be used in physical therapy.
Additionally, one Rewalk costs around $100,000. Also, a common misconception about the Rewalk
is that it can heal whatever problem the user has by training them to walk
again. This is not true; the purpose of
Rewalk is to regain lower body strength. Although there may be cases reported
where therapy has helped the problem, Rewalk is not designed to do so. Even though Rewalk gives the opportunity to
regain physical strength, the user must also have a level of physical strength
to even use the nearly 50 pound device, which isn’t always realistic for anyone
who has been confined to a wheelchair. Despite its range of mobility, Rewalk is
not designed for everyday life.
Altogether
Rewalk is a versatile technology that gives the user a creative type of therapy
that promotes health and confidence. However, use is limited, its expensive, and
it is not a remedy for whatever problem is faced by the user. Despite all of the current limitations placed
on the Rewalk, the device is pretty cool and there is absolutely no limit on
the innovations that could eventually lead to alternative treatment for paraplegics.
