Atalante Exoskeleton in the Rehabilitation of Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

In the researchers' words

Using a MRI gait motor imagery paradigm in ALS patients in order to study how ALS affects the function of the central neural networks involved in gait function, we showed a reorganization of the motor networks that represents a compensatory response to the dysfunction of the networks involved in gait function. Our main hypothesis is that by providing coherent proprioceptive input to the sensorimotor integration areas, gait training with an exoskeleton may boost compensatory network reorganization and help to maintain function. We hypothesize that this can be achieved through a locomotion training strategy that reproduces normal gait motor patterns and appropriate sensory feedback. Gait training with an exoskeleton can meet these needs. The Atalante exoskeleton offers unique potential thanks to its cutting-edge technological features, hands-free functions and availability in numerous centers across Europe. Evaluation of its safety and efficacy in ALS is of the utmost interest in order to generalize this new approach in ALS.