José Manuel Alberdi Sagardia regaining his independence at Movex Clinics with Hank, the lower limb exoskeleton from GOGOA.
Delve into his rehabilitation story
José Manuel Alberdi Sagardia, in his own words:
How did the disease affect me?
In early June 2022, devastating news changed my life. I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and the news left me in shock. This disease, which I barely knew, attacked me with fury. It paralyzed all my limbs, caused me to lose weight, and left me rigid and without muscle mass. In short, it devastated me. I spent 10 long months in the hospital, 6 weeks of which were in the ICU, where I fought to stabilize.
What lasting effects did it leave me with?
When I finally left the hospital, I was in a wheelchair, able to walk with a walker, but without balance and with atrophied hands. The disease had left a deep mark on me, and my life had changed in unimaginable ways.
How is my recovery process going?
Fortunately, a ray of hope appeared in my life when I learned about Movex Clinics, a clinic offering revolutionary rehabilitation therapy with exoskeletons. I was evaluated and told I had significant potential for recovery. At that moment, I made a decision that would change my life forever: to trust them.
What did I feel the first day I wore Hank?
That first day with Hank, the exoskeleton, was like a new beginning. It was the introduction to a tool that could be the key to my recovery. Excitement and uncertainty mingled within me, but there was hope—a hope that had been absent for a long time.
How am I feeling now? What would you highlight as my most significant achievement?
My recovery has been a long and difficult journey. At 78 years old and with greatly diminished physical abilities, I went through a personalized training program that has paid off. Although I still face challenges, I have regained independence in my hands. I can now perform daily tasks that were previously impossible for me. Cutting my nails, slicing a steak, brushing my teeth, using my tweezers, and opening a yogurt lid; these are achievements that seem small, but for me, they are huge.
What do I value most about Movex?
At Movex Clinics, what I value most is the atmosphere in the gym and the professionalism of the physiotherapists. But beyond that, I value the empathy they offer. Despite the difficulty of the treatment, I return to the center eager and enthusiastic. Knowing that there is a team willing to fight alongside me is invaluable. Movex Clinics has not only given me an opportunity for recovery, but also a supportive community that has helped me find the strength to keep going.
Interview with Sara, José Manuel Alberdi Sagardia's physiotherapist at Movex Clinics:
How did José Manuel come to the center?
When José Manuel arrived at Movex Clinics, his condition was heartbreaking. He arrived in a wheelchair, with little strength and very precarious balance. The disease had been relentless, but José Manuel kept fighting.
How has he improved, and what is he achieving?
Thanks to his determination and our tools, he is now able to be more independent, managing to do many daily tasks on his own. He no longer needs ankle-foot orthoses or a walker. Even at the center, he is starting to take steps without any assistance. Of course, there is still more work to be done, as he still needs to gain strength, improve his balance, and continue improving his fine motor skills. But we will continue fighting alongside him to reach these goals.
What does his treatment consist of?
His treatment is combined and includes various tools. He works with the Hank gait exoskeleton several times a week and uses the Hand of Hope robotic arm to improve his hand dexterity. In addition, we have been working on therapeutic exercises focused on physical therapy. On more than one occasion, we have combined these exercises with a balance platform and virtual reality software. Through various games of varying difficulty, we have addressed the different deficits he still experiences, such as balance, coordination, and leg strength.
We have also taken his needs and abilities into account. On several occasions, we have taken his rehabilitation outside the clinic, out into the street. Our approach is to find different environments, such as ramps and uneven terrain, because at Movex Clinics we know that the reality outside the clinic is different from the one our patients face daily. We want to accompany them on this journey as they overcome the challenges they encounter.
The story of José Manuel Alberdi Sagardia and his path to recovery is a testament to strength and hope. Movex Clinics is proud to be part of his journey and to continue supporting him in his pursuit of a better life.