GaitBetter: The innovative technology designed to get you back on your feet after a joint replacement

GaitBetter is an innovative system that features  motor-cognitive training and is especially suitable for post-surgery joint replacement rehabilitation. Did you think that joint replacement surgery, such as for a knee or hip replacement, is for the elderly? Think again.

Today, an increasing number of younger age patients have joint replacement surgery.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) notes that the average age of joint replacement patients in the United States is now 65. The AAOS data indicates that close to 80 percent of the population will suffer from erosion of the articular cartilage over the age of 65.

In cases of mild erosion, the patient will usually be offered conservative treatment, which consists of  anti-inflammatory and pain medication and physiotherapy treatments to maintain a range of motion and muscle strength.

However, in cases of severe joint erosion joint replacement surgery may be the only recourse.

Rehabilitation after knee or hip replacement surgery

The success of a joint replacement surgery depends on the surgeon’s experience and skills as well as the patient’s prior level of function before surgery. At the same time, the post-operative rehabilitation process is hugely important in maximizing the results of the surgery and returning the patient to optimal functionality, alongside their new implant.

The crucial rehabilitation process usually includes physical therapy treatments, focused on restoring the range of motion to the joint and strengthening the relevant muscles in the operated leg.

Rehabilitation using innovative VR treadmill technology that incorporates motor-cognitive training

Developed by a multidisciplinary international team of physicians, researchers, physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists.

GaitBetter, is an innovative VR treadmill technology-based rehabilitation system that offers patients integrated motor-cognitive training.

The treatment plan consists of a number of training sessions, during which the patient walks on a treadmill, while being simultaneously required to perform motor skills and a range of game-related tasks, using a virtual reality supplement.

In the five years that GaitBetter’s technology has been in clinical use, thousands of patients have benefited from a significant improvement in their walking abilities.

Dima Hess and Eli Ovadia, certified physiotherapists and owners of the Asterix Physiotherapy clinic, have witnessed GaitBetter in action. “Our patients love the system. The game experience makes them train more and persevere in training, thus achieving better results, faster. The training is built gradually and can be adapted to the patient’s abilities.”

GaitBetter has a variety of benefits as a walking rehabilitation tool after knee or hip replacement. The first of these is that by simulating a challenging walk and incorporating obstacles that exist in the patient’s daily life, it increases the effective training time for the patient.

The virtual reality plugin creates cognitive challenges for  the patient, having them practice skills such as movement planning and coping with multi-tasking, as well as quickly processing information from the environment and making decisions in real time.

In addition, GaitBetter’s unique game experience “breaks routine” from traditional treatments and contributes significantly to raising the patient’s motivation and perseverance during the training program.

Moreover, the treatment plan allows for monitoring and measuring progress in the rehabilitation process, giving the patient all-important performance feedback during the training period.

On top of this, it’s worth noting that GaitBetter training is carried out in a protected and safe environment, without the risk of falls and injuries.

“Training with GaitBetter is highly suitable for patients after replacing the hip and knee joints. It allows for the start of a functional and challenging walking practice already in the early stages of rehabilitation” said Sagi Gitterman, a certified physiotherapist and medical director at GaitBetter.

“The virtual barriers require the patient to activate and strengthen muscles and also encourage an increase in range of motion in the legs. Also, combining cognitive elements related to walking, contributes to improving skills such as balance and movement planning. The combined training contributes to the application of the skills acquired in the exercises and their transfer to real life”.