What a New Study Says About Using the Keeogo Exoskeleton in Neuromuscular Conditions
What a New Study Says About Using the Keeogo Exoskeleton in Neuromuscular Conditions
A new research study has looked at how the Keeogo robotic leg support device affects adults living with neuromuscular diseases, such as muscular dystrophy and inflammatory muscle conditions.
The goal of the study was simple: to understand whether wearing Keeogo helps people move more easily, feel more comfortable, or reduces physical strain during everyday movements like walking or standing up from a chair.
What Did the Researchers Do? Twenty-three adults took part in the study. Each person completed several common movement tests:
Walking for short and longer distances
Standing up from a chair and sitting down again
Standing still to assess balance
They did these activities with and without wearing the Keeogo device, so the researchers could compare the difference.
What Did the Study Find? Walking
Most participants walked more slowly and covered less distance while wearing Keeogo.
This does not mean the device is unsafe—balance was not affected—but it shows that walking speed did not improve for this group.
Balance and Safety
Keeogo did not worsen balance or stability while standing.
Participants generally felt just as stable with the device as without it.
Standing Up and Sitting Down
Overall, Keeogo did not significantly change how many times people could stand up from a chair in 30 seconds.
Some people did a bit better, others a bit worse — responses varied from person to person.
Muscle Effort and Breathing
When wearing Keeogo, several leg muscles worked less hard.
Participants also reported less shortness of breath, suggesting the device may reduce physical strain even if movement is slower.
What Does This Mean for Patients? This study shows that Keeogo may not make people walk faster, especially for those with significant muscle weakness. However, it can reduce how hard certain muscles have to work, which may help with fatigue, comfort, and energy conservation. The researchers found that people with stronger leg muscles tended to cope better with the device, highlighting that individual strength and condition matter a lot.
Why This Research Is Important Neuromuscular conditions affect everyone differently. This study helps doctors, therapists, and patients better understand:
Who might benefit most from robotic support
Why a “one-size-fits-all” approach doesn’t work
The importance of personalised rehabilitation plans
The Takeaway Keeogo is not a walking speed booster, but it may be helpful as a support tool to reduce muscle effort and physical strain in selected individuals. The study highlights the need for customised settings, training, and clinical guidance to get the best results. If you are considering robotic-assisted therapy, speak with our team to see whether it fits your specific goals, strength level, and daily needs.