Physical therapists from the State Border Guard Service are mastering new equipment that will help patients who have lost the ability to walk.

Border medical professionals received their first exoskeleton, underwent brief training under the guidance of the development company's engineers, and have already started practical sessions on its application.

For training operators, Border Guard Oleksandr volunteered to be a patient. Although he is undergoing treatment after an injury, he doesn't have issues with the musculoskeletal system. Thus, physical therapists can practice exoskeleton control skills without harm to the patient.

Later, after completing training for patients who will need the exoskeleton for rehabilitation, it will be used according to its intended purpose.

"The people who are constantly in a wheelchair face problems such as joint inflammation because they are not being used. In addition, there is significant psychological pressure because everyone looks down on them. With this device, we can solve these problems. It will be preventive for inflammatory processes, restoration of normal functioning of the pelvic organs. We can achieve axial loading, which includes the muscular system, the cardiovascular system... If a person has suffered an injury or illness and has been in a horizontal position for a long time – during such lying down, the patient loses six percent of their tone per week. To compensate for that, a lot of physical work is needed. So, with this device, we can give a start to such a person, make them understand that they have dynamics, that they will walk. And further, with the help of appropriate specialists, we can restore such a person," Ivan Gonchar, physical therapist, explains.

The acquisition of the exoskeleton became possible through the implementation of the European Union project for Integrated Border Management "Steadiness." This project is funded by the EU and implemented by the International Center for Migration Policy Development to meet the needs of services involved in ensuring the security of the state border of Ukraine.

In the future, the successful use of such equipment will allow expanding the project's scope.