Less than a week after total knee replacement surgery, Karen Schrader is walking around on her farm

Acute Rehabilitation Unit

Advanced Technology

To maximize rehabilitation, St. Anthony's invests in state-of-the-art technology, such as adaptive devices, muscle stimulation systems, interactive technology and strength building equipment.

Examples of advanced technology:

Muscle Stimulation

St. Anthony’s Acute Rehab Unit is the first in the region to offer the Bioness® L300 and H200 systems, designed to stimulate, re-educate and strengthen weakened leg or arm muscles. Compared to traditional braces that often restrict joint and muscle movement, these systems use a programmable sensor to stimulate muscles.

Learning to Walk Again

The L300 foot drop system can help stroke patients walk more safely, with a proper gait. The system uses a special sensor in the patient’s shoe coupled with a leg cuff that is strapped below the knee to electrically stimulate a nerve. By using a software program that times the stimulation, a therapist can trigger a patient’s foot to rise at the right time as he or she moves forward. Besides stroke patients, other patients that could benefit from the L300 include those who have foot drop because of traumatic brain injury, incomplete spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy.

Help with Upper Extremities

The Bioness® H200 system achieves rehabilitation of the upper extremity using the same technology as the L300 uses on the lower extremity, helping patients improve hand function and voluntary movement. Surface electrodes, embedded in a device that rests over the patient’s hand and forearm, stimulate muscles in the hand and wrist. A microprocessor allows the user to program the device with a series of exercises customized for each patient. Clinical trials support the effectiveness of the H200 in facilitating return of function for patients following stroke and brain injury, as well as for select patients whose injuries are years old.

Help for Dysphagia

A new speech therapy technique uses external electrical stimulation to help patients with dysphagia who are unable to swallow foods or liquids. Small electrodes are placed on the patient’s throat to stimulate the swallowing muscles, strengthening the throat muscles over time, and re-educating the muscle to enable patients to swallow.

Supportive Gait Therapy

For patients unable to support their own weight with their lower extremities (e.g., patients with spinal cord or head injuries, dementia or stroke), a supportive gait-therapy device called LiteGait® uses a harness to control posture and balance while also supporting the patient, either on the floor or over a treadmill. Therapists gradually reduce support until patients can bear weight on their own. Studies show body weight-supported treadmill training can improve outcomes and sends patients home sooner.

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