Remembering Mike Rhode

By Carolann Murphy

In 2011, Kessler Foundation started its exoskeleton research with a pilot study of six individuals living with spinal cord injury—five with paraplegia and one with tetraplegia. All stood and walked successfully in the robotic exoskeleton, including Michael Rhode, who was injured while working on ski patrol at a resort in New York.

In this study, a turning point in spinal cord injury research, Rhode was the participant with the highest level of injury, C5-C6. Through his participation, scientists recognized the possibilities for improving mobility for people with a range of spinal cord injuries.

Rhode passed away recently, at age 53.

In remembering Rhode, we share this video, and watch Rhode stand and walk in in the earliest robotic exoskeleton from Ekso Bionics.

Monitored by scientists at Kessler Foundation, six people with spinal cord injuries tested Ekso, the new robotic exoskeleton from Ekso Bionics that enables wheelchair users to stand and walk. The six, each of whom has a different level of injury, participated in one week of preliminary testing in October 2011. In early 2012, the research team, headed by Gail Forrest, PhD, will commence a clinical trial in collaboration with Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. While the trial will focus on the benefits of Ekso in rehabilitation settings, Ekso Bionics plans to explore the potential for home and community use.