We were pleased to welcome Thuasne UK to Hobbs Rehabilitation South East for a Hot Clinic Taster Day, during which they demonstrated the SpryStep® Agilik™ gait rehabilitation device with some of our patients. Case managers, lawyers, and orthotists joined us, making it a fantastic opportunity to explore the technology, discuss its applications, and share insights.
The day marked the launch of a new service now available, suitable for patients with flexed-knee or stiff-knee gait caused by cerebral palsy, spina bifida, post-stroke, spinal cord injury and other conditions.
Unlike a traditional KAFO (knee ankle foot orthosis) this device provides both resistance and assistance throughout the gait cycle.
Tristan Hardy, Orthotic Area Sales Manager at Thuasne UK, shared his thoughts on the session:
“The Agilik trial day was a great opportunity to demonstrate the technology in a real-world clinical setting. Being able to trial it directly on patients who genuinely need the support helped clinicians and case managers clearly see the functional benefits and real impact it can have on patient outcomes. With this being the only powered KAFO available on the market, the SpryStep® Agilik™ offers a truly unique and innovative solution”
Case Managers present commented on how useful it was to see the Agilik assisting movement in real time and how it helps users stand more upright, walk more efficiently, building strength and confidence in their gait.
Benefiting considerably from it was Tom, who has been with Hobbs Rehabilitation for some time. He originally came to us barely able to walk after a spinal cord injury but has since progressed confidently. His walking and overall quality of life have improved significantly, however he still experiences some discomfort and difficulty walking longer distances.
On the Visual Analogue Scale, Tom reported his perceived walking effort as 8/10, which reduced to 4/10 when wearing the Agilik. He described his walking as feeling less effortful, freer, and lighter. Objectively, clinicians noted that he achieved greater extension in his legs and spine.
From an endurance perspective, we compared his outdoor walking through a timed lap around the therapy building. He reduced his lap time by 40 seconds and, unlike his usual efforts, completed a full lap without breaks. A keen rugby fan and former amateur player, Tom felt that the Agilik could help him get from the car to the stands far more easily. This is a task he usually cannot complete without resting.
Speaking about Tom’s success with the Agilik, Emma Jewer, his regular neurophysiotherapist stated
“It was great to see the improvements in Tom’s standing and gait when using the Agilik. It enabled him to maintain a more upright posture for longer which had a positive impact on his walking endurance.”
We also welcomed Ken and his wife, Ken is living with Parkinson’s and struggles with stability while walking, relying on a walker and occasional assistance. His wife shared that, although they go out when they can, his symptoms along with bad weather and uneven surfaces often make it difficult to get around.
The device improved Ken’s pace and ease of walking. With the aid of the Agilik during the demonstration, without any prompting, Ken fully turned unaided at the end of each 10m lap. His wife noted that she hasn’t seen him turn unguided with that much ease in some time.
Alongside our patients, our team and guests had the exciting opportunity to try the device first-hand. This provided a fun and practical way to understand how the Agilik works and the benefits it can bring in rehabilitation and everyday mobility.
We now welcome enquiries from Case Managers and Solicitors via our enquiries form, to book an assessment and trial fitting to establish client suitability.
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