Kickstart® is a simple, universal, bio-inspired exoskeleton device designed to accelerate walking recovery and functional improvement in stroke, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury patients and those with other neurological conditions. Using a patented Exotendon® technology, Kickstart amplifies a user’s walking ability, e.g., endurance, balance, gait, and stability, and offers improved independence.
Unlike robotic exoskeletons, Kickstart does not require batteries or a control system and is light weight and easy to use in clinical or community settings. Clinicians can introduce Kickstart into therapy protocols in both inpatient and outpatient clinical settings to achieve improvements more rapidly in ambulatory status. Beyond the clinical setting, it can be prescribed for personal use to sustain the positive outcomes achieved during therapy and to promote continued recovery to walking in the home and the community.
Kickstart can be introduced across a wide range of ability levels, from those unable to fully weight bear to users who walk independently but need gait refinement. It has three product series: Kickstart clinical, Kickstart personal and Kidstart (children model), and has obtained international invention patents.