The Hunter Exoskeleton for Lower Limb Exercise and Neuro-rehabilitation (HELLEN), which allows people with limited or no movement in their legs to stand upright and walk over level ground, was launched at the University of Newcastle on Wednesday. 

Physiotherapist Jodie Marquez said patients often had a “very emotional” response when they used HELLEN for the first time. 

“Often when people stand up in it for the first time, they cry,” she said. 

HELLEN has been purchased by the Australian Institute of Neuro-rehabilitation (AIN) based in Nelson Bay, using a $99,000 grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation. 

The technology was invented in New Zealand but it is the first time the device has ever been purchased by an Australian organisation.  A 12-month trial will take place in conjunction with University of Newcastle researchers, involving about 20 Hunter residents who have suffered a stroke or acquired brain injury. 

AIN Chief Executive Officer Trish Leonard said with further donations they could offer therapy full-time, reaching people with spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Melbourne man Louis Rowe became a paraplegic in a scooter accident in Thailand in 2007 and used HELLEN for the third time on Wednesday. 

He had used leg braces and walking frames to stand before but would now be able to develop the muscles in his legs, core and upper body for the first time. 

“To do the squats and lunges, I’ve never been able to do that kind of thing before,” Mr Rowe said. 

Ms Leonard said she hoped HELLEN would help patients regain lost movement or sensation, as well as reversing some of the health problems of sitting in a wheelchair for long periods. 

She said you “could not put into words” the psychological benefits. 

“Even with Louis, when I come and see him, I have always had to bend over and give him a hug,” she said. 

“We’ve stood for the first time now, heart to heart, eye to eye. A standing hug in HELLEN. It doesn’t get much better than that.” 

Newcastle Permanent has also funded “Transport for Hellen”, meaning the robot and therapy team can travel to people living out-of-area who aren’t able to get to the university easily. 

Ms Marquez said because HELLEN was hands-free, it was appealing to stroke patients who had often lost the use of one arm. 

“There's a real need in the Hunter,” she said.

“The patients that can’t stand on their own are often the ones who aren’t offered any ongoing therapy, because they’re hard work, it’s physically demanding to try and stand them up.

“They're discharged and they go home and then they never stand again.”