Turkish Lokomat doctors assess candidates through a multi-tier evaluation of neurological potential and physical readiness. They prioritize patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries or subacute stroke. Specialists like Dr. Gunesh Yavuzer use specific biometric matching and musculoskeletal screenings to confirm the robot can safely replicate a natural gait.
- Neurological status: Doctors verify diagnoses like stroke, MS, and spinal cord injuries (AIS B-D).
- Cognitive alignment: Patients must follow multi-step commands and engage with visual biofeedback screens.
- Physical dimensions: Candidates must weigh under 135 kg and meet specific femur length requirements.
- Joint mobility: Specialists rule out fixed contractures or severe spasticity that hinders robotic movement.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish rehabilitation centers often use a multidisciplinary approach where neurologists and physical therapists collaborate on the assessment. For instance, Dr. Buse Cagla Ari at Medipol Acibadem focuses on movement disorders, while Dr. Nurten Kuchukchakir at Romatem integrates botulinum toxin injections. This combination helps reduce spasticity, making more patients eligible for robotic gait training than those evaluated by a single specialist.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that medical stability is the first hurdle before even touching the machine. They describe the assessment as a hands-on process where therapists check trunk control and weight-bearing. Many were surprised that physical size and joint stiffness mattered as much as the actual diagnosis.
