Parkinson's Group To Learn About Robotic Devices

FALLBROOK – North County Parkinson's Support Group invites anyone interested to join their monthly meeting, Friday April 28, 10 a.m. to noon at the Fallbrook Regional Health and Wellness Center, 1636 E. Mission Road.

Guest speaker Doctor Martin Nguyen’s topic will be “Rise Physical Therapy/Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL).” He is certified in Applied Functional Science and he has been practicing physical therapy for six years.

Nguyen has worked in outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine his entire career. He is the director of community relations for Revolution In Self Evolution (RISE) Healthcare Group. His role is to help build relationships and partnerships with various community organizations across San Diego.

HAL is a robotic device, a one of a kind blend of technology and rehabilitation used to read a patient's intent for movement. It was developed by the Japanese-based company, Cyberdyne. HAL is FDA-approved, designed to help improve/regenerate the function of the wearers, those suffering from stroke, spinal cord injuries, PD and other progressive neuromuscular degenerative diseases.

The device detects signals from the brain towards the target muscle tissue at a skin level, then allows the device to provide assistance towards the desired movement. It ultimately improves the patient’s own ability to move the limb body part. This is what separates the HAL from other exoskeletons in the current market, in the United States.

RISE physical therapy was born from a simple philosophy: “It doesn't matter who you are or what you do, everyone deserves the best treatment possible.” It is a journey of strengthening the mind, body and spirit. Sessions are one-on-one with the provider and or the resident.

In addition to the speaker presentation, breakout groups held for a time of sharing, coffee and refreshments will follow the program.

Meetings are held in support of persons with Parkinson's disease, care partners and people interested in improving the world of those affected by Parkinson’s disease, on the fourth Friday of every month.

For more information, call Irene, 760-731-0171 or Lorie, 760-453-3045 or email [email protected].

Submitted by the Fallbrook Parkinson's Support Group.