A retired engineer, Mr Henry Tan, 66, has congenital muscle dystrophy and already faced difficulties walking prior to a stroke he suffered in October 2018. After his stroke, he was wheelchair bound and had completely no strength on the right side of his body. Fortunately, the bionic exoskeleton helped to address both physical limitations. Henry could stand straighter with a better gait pattern than he had for more than 20 years in addition to regaining the use in his paralysed limbs after eight sessions with the device.

Stories like his are possible thanks to the Temasek Foundation — Improving Mobility via Exoskeletons (iMOVE) programme that aims to help patients with impaired mobility and speed up patient recovery by using bionic exoskeletons in rehabilitation. This study on the use of advanced rehabilitation technology, namely bionic exoskeletons, to improve patients’ mobility is the first of its kind in Asia.

Using bionic exoskeletons in rehabilitation aids patients with impaired mobility — such as those suffering from stroke, spinal cord injuries and other causes of physical disabilities — and accelerates recovery at inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, and in day rehabilitation centres and nursing homes.  The goal is to improve mobility and independence for patients.

Together with Trailblazer Foundation Limited, Temasek Foundation has contributed $1.34 million to support this programme.

FIND OUT MORE…

Did You Know?
In Singapore, stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability and loss of mobility, especially amongst the seniors. Singapore faces an annual increase of some 7,000 new cases of stroke alone, per year, or 20 new strokes a day, of which about 15% – 20% will benefit from robotics rehabilitation at the hospital or community-based care.

About Robotic Exoskeleton
Exoskeleton technology is an emerging innovation that can improve outcomes over a shorter period of time for patients with mobility difficulties. Exoskeleton technology are task-specific, using robot-assisted gait training which more closely simulates real-life walking.

The robotic exoskeleton used in this project is a wearable robotic device which is portable and adjustable, designed to help patients unable to walk due to neurological injuries such as a spinal cord injury or stroke.

Temasek Foundation
Temasek Foundation delivers a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and advance communities in Singapore and beyond. These are made possible through 19 non-profit philanthropic endowments, gifted by Temasek and managed by the Temasek Foundation under its respective mandates. For more information, visit Temasek Foundation.