John Simpson has become the first patient in the UK to be fitted with new computer-controlled exoskeleton.
A new leg brace has been launched in the UK to help people living with partial paralysis, spinal injury, post-stroke and post-polio syndrome walk naturally again. The C-Brace®, from prosthetic and orthotic experts Ottobock, is the only exoskeleton of its kind. The intelligent, carbon fibre brace uses a built-in microprocessor and sensors which allows the knee to control all aspects of the walking cycle and can be worn on either one or both legs.
John Simpson, founder of golfing charity On Course Foundation, has today become the first patient in the UK to wear the device. John has been unable to walk unaided since he was a young child. Polio left his nerves so damaged he was unable to walk and despite multiple operations, physiotherapy and treatments he has relied on a locked-leg brace to help him move around since he was 14. Today he became the first user in the UK to walk with the C-Brace, heading straight to the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club.
“It’s going to change my life. With the C-Brace I’ve gone from crutches to two sticks and now only one stick, and I’m still at the early stages of learning”.
The Ottobock C-Brace can help people who have limited control of their leg/s to walk naturally, cycle, walk down stairs and descend slopes at a normal walking speed – something never before possible. Designed using world-leading prosthetic technology, C-Brace allows those paralysed through disease and trauma to benefit in the same way as amputees for the first time.
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