First Rysen™ Installed in North America – New 3D Technology Supports Best Rehabilitation Outcomes

RICHMOND, Va. (August 24, 2021) – Sheltering Arms Institute, a collaboration with VCU Health, is thrilled to announce the installation of the first Motek RYSEN™ 3D bodyweight support system in the Western Hemisphere, helping people affected by neurological, orthopedic, muscular, cardiovascular, and other conditions overcome disabilities related to balance and walking.

The RYSEN is an all-directional, 3D bodyweight support system that provides adjustable vertical and horizontal forces. By offering unrestricted movement eliminating sideways limitations and interference, patients are empowered to perform functional transfer training and overground gait and balance activities.

“We are honored to be Sheltering Arms Institute’s technology partner. Their commitment to innovation in rehabilitation and utmost care to their patients is outstanding,” said Barry Hes, Chief Market Officer Research Solutions of DIH-Motek.

Outer Banks resident Vicki Day recently suffered a stroke that robbed her of her balance and the ability to walk. Sheltering Arms Institute therapists utilized the RYSEN to simulate various terrains, real-life walking conditions, and everyday activities. “It’s very realistic to situations that you encounter out in the real world and it affords you the opportunity to make different choices of what direction you want to go,” Day said. Just one month after her stroke, Day was able to walk through grass and climb stairs with minimal assistance.

RYSEN also assists with amputation, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and other conditions. Richmond resident Arlene Schwartz used the RYSEN as part of her inpatient rehabilitation program for post-COVID recovery. “It gives you support so you really don’t have to hold on to anybody, you can kind of do it all on your own,” Schwartz said.

Clinical research points to the efficacy of bodyweight support in harnessing the principles of neuroplasticity by increasing repetition and intensity. “We are taking bodyweight support beyond just linear gait training while also giving patients the freedom they need to learn,” said Amber Walter, PT, DPT, NCS, clinical science manager at Sheltering Arms Institute. “Clinicians from various disciplines can facilitate movement or incorporate additional obstacles and activities that we normally wouldn’t be able to do in therapy.”

The purchase of the RYSEN and support for ongoing staff training is funded by generous donors to Sheltering Arms Foundation.

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Attachments:

1. Photos and B-roll: Patients use the RYSEN as part of their inpatient care at Sheltering Arms Institute
2. Media Kit

About Sheltering Arms Institute
Sheltering Arms and VCU Health System have formed a joint venture, Sheltering Arms Institute, a state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital, that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health. The Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that facilitates superior outcomes for patients. All outpatient services for both parent organizations operate separately now and into the foreseeable future.

About DIH and Motek
DIH is a global solution provider of robotic rehabilitation devices for physical and occupational therapy. We blend innovative robotic & VR technologies with clinical integration and insights. The DIH brands, which include Hocoma, Motek, and SafeGait, are applied successfully in renowned clinics and research institutes worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.motekmedical.com/solutions.