Nina – Paraplegia
Patient Story: Learning to walk with Paraplegia
Nina is from Rosenheim in Upper Bavaria (GER) and is 37 years old. In 2019 she woke up from an emergency operation on her spine with the diagnosis of incomplete paraplegia. Before this event, she worked as a nurse for 16 years. Unlike many paraplegics, an accident did not cause her impairments. A herniated disk in the thoracic vertebra (TH9 -TH10) ossified and shifted into the spinal cord canal. Unnoticed for a long time, this shift made complete healing no longer possible; Nina realized she must learn to live with these limitations.
“Suddenly, I was a patient myself,” Nina says of her herniated disk, which led to incomplete paraplegia.
In the beginning, no one could tell her what the extent of her limitations would be. Around ten days after surgery on her spine, the doctors were optimistic. Initial movements in Nina’s toes indicated incomplete paraplegia, where motoric and sensory systems are only partially affected. With continued gains in leg movement, Nina had the chance to walk again. “50% of rehabilitation is decided by doctors, therapists, and equipment. The other 50% is the share I can take in my own healing process,” Nina says with confidence.
After acute rehabilitation, Nina started rehabilitation of Phase D in January 2021 at the GLG Fachklinik Wolletzsee, in the north of Berlin.
Since 2016, the GLG Fachklinik Wolletzsee has been using technology-based devices to supplement conventional rehabilitation measures. In addition to the upper extremity lab established some years ago, the walking studio with two Omego’s and the gait trainer, Lexo, was opened in August 2020. “Previously, gait training was mainly limited to patients walking the corridors with a therapist,” explains the head occupational therapist at the clinic Katja Siebold during the opening ceremony; two to three therapists were needed to support each patient. Lexo now assists with this work; the gait robot supports the patients and allows them to work on their walking ability. Above all, Lexo allows for the increased repetitions required to see measurable results. In everyday hospital life, technology-based devices aid the therapist, by creating additional, valuable treatment time for patients.
Initially, Nina was able to walk short distances (40 meters) with the aid of a walking frame. Short breaks included.
In the clinic’s walking studio, she had the opportunity to perform intensive training using the latest technology. Nina experienced mixed feelings during her first few times in the Lexo gait trainer; “At the beginning, I really clenched and cramped, because I was afraid to tip over. It was a real experience. My head changed over relatively quickly, and I understood that I can just walk with Lexo. I didn’t have to counteract.” When she started using Lexo, Nina was able to walk very short distances and required frequent rest breaks. She participated in two therapy sessions per week.
“During therapy, I repeatedly have the feeling that I am not making any progress. It helps to see the protocols at Lexo and OMEGO. The devices don’t distort results to make their statements look better. They clearly and neutrally indicate how my strength, endurance, and coordination develop. Even small advances become visible and increase my motivation.”
Nina K.
At the end of her inpatient rehabilitation after paraplegia, Nina can walk on the Lexo for 25 minutes a session.
Nina now can walk further distances with less rest breaks during her therapy sessions. Thanks to the optional seat on Lexo, she can relax her legs completely during a rest break. She no longer needs weight relief through the straps. When leaving the rehabilitation facility, Nina can walk about 100 meters with her walking frame. She can even manage short distances without a walking frame. At home, she is already doing well walking without any aids.
We wish you all the best, dear Nina! Stay strong!
Author: Michaela Partel
Sources:
Therapy for paraplegia: A therapist speaking about robotics in rehabilitation
