The ExoBand^® Concept

Walk better, walk longer

The idea behind ExoBand was first formulated at Harvard and is the result of more than 10 years of research and development in biomechanics and robotics by Fausto Panizzolo, Ph.D.

Muscle weakness often results in gait abnormalities leading to reduced walking distance, increased fatigue and a high risk of falls. These symptoms can further reduce mobility, resulting in a vicious circle. Proximal muscle weakness can be particularly challenging to address through therapy and conventional orthoses, while sometimes the added weight of orthoses can exacerbate problems.

ExoBand is a unique and patented assistive hip orthosis by Italian manufacturer Moveo and it helps people with impaired motor skills walk more efficiently and over longer distances.

It is a wearable device consisting of a pelvic belt and two thigh cuffs. These three independent elements are connected to each other by a mechanism that stores the energy generated in the stance phase of the gait cycle to return it in the swing phase, thus enhancing the thrust of the hip flexor muscles and consequently leading to a functional improvement in walking.

ExoBand is both a functional aid to assist walking, as well as a rehabilitation tool to improve the quality of gait over time in suitable patients.

Indications

• Upper motor neuron conditions: multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy (CP), stroke, Parkinson's disease, incomplete spinal cord injuries, ataxias, etc.
• Lower motor neuron conditions: poliomyelitis, early stage management of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and other polyneuropathies, post-op nerve damage, etc.
• Neuromuscular diseases: polyneuropathies, muscular dystrophies, myopathies
• Early stages of motor neuron disease
• Conditions leading to chronic fatigue:
post-Covid syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/ chronic fatigue syndrome), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, etc.

Features

• Passive – relies on advanced elastomer technology to conserve and optimize energy use
• Usability – buckles can be operated single-handedly, simple adjustments, no tools required
• Lightweight (~400g) and comfortable, no bulky motors or batteries
• Can be used with walking aids and orthoses such as ankle-foot-orthoses (AFO's) to further increase their effectiveness
• Modular system allows clinicians to mix and match pelvic belts and thigh cuffs of different sizes for maximum adjustability
• Available in a range of different sizes for adults and children
• Scientifically tested

Scientifically proven results

• Walk using less energy: reduction of metabolic cost and perceived effort
• Increase in walking distance and speed, improvement in gait kinematics
• Increase in dynamic stability
• Reduced risk of falls
• Improved balance while walking
• Enhancement of clinic- and home-based rehabilitation programmes