NextStep Robotics

AMBLE

NextStep Robotics’s device is designed to strengthen foot muscles by analyzing the toe angle for each step and then making corrective adjustments for subsequent steps. As the patient’s foot muscles gradually improve, the device assists less. Our product has numerous practical applications, including in the fields of:

• Physical therapy
• Neurological therapy
• Orthopedic therapy

• Common symptoms of foot drop include:
  Inability to hold footwear – Loosening of footwear is a result of foot-dragging or toe-scuffing due to foot drop.
• Tripping – Weakness in the muscles of the foot and toes may result in frequent tripping.
• Falls – It is common to lose balance, stumble, and fall with a foot drop. Falls occur due to the inability to properly lift the front part of the foot and toes while walking.
• High steppage gait – This type of walking pattern is characterized by raising the thigh in an exaggerated fashion, such as climbing stairs. A high steppage gait is attempted to prevent the toes from abnormally hitting or scraping the floor while walking.
• Limp foot – The affected foot may flop away from the body, making it difficult to climb stairs.
• Numbness – Loss of sensation may occur on the lower leg or the foot,
• A decrease in muscle mass – Weakening of the muscles may cause the muscle mass to reduce, especially when foot drop is caused by certain autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis.
  
  

• How Our Solution Works

The NextStep Robotics device, AMBLE, helps restore natural gait in foot drop patients by detecting each step and assisting with foot lift if needed. As mobility improves, the device gradually reduces assistance, fostering independence. This blend of robotics, neuroscience, and physical therapy benefits anyone with foot drop.

• Ease of Use

AMBLE is easy to operate, taking less than 5 minutes to set up with no adverse effects reported. It customizes training parameters to each patient’s gait, saving time and allowing therapists to focus more on patient interaction. This efficiency also reduces labor and rehabilitation costs.

• Expanded Applications

Beyond therapy, AMBLE can serve as an exercise device and measurement tool. It provides passive stretching for stroke patients and generates a unique Robot Report Card for mobility and ankle assessments. This versatile design helps foot drop patients gain mobility, potentially eliminating the need for the device altogether.

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