NASA Cable System Finds New Use in Unique Physical Therapy Device 

Enduro Medical Technology of East Hartford, CT, has debuted the Secure
Ambulation Module (S.A.M), a rehabilitative device that incorporates
technology developed at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. The
device allows patients with degenerative illness or traumatic injuries to
receive physical therapy in a safe, stable standing position. 

The S.A.M. walker is expected to have a huge impact on physical therapy.
Enduro's president Kenneth J. Messier explained that in the past, "Patients
needing ambulation therapy had to be lifted to standing by one or more
physical therapists, and be able to prop themselves up using their arms."
Patients were subjected to falls, and therapists often suffered back injuries
lifting patients. 

S.A.M. is a wheeled apparatus that features a harness to support the
patient's body weight and control their pelvis without impeding their ability
to move their hips. Electronic linear actuators raise and lower the harness. 

The key feature of S.A.M. is that the harness is dynamically connected to
NASA-developed cable-compliant wire joints consisting of connected cable
segments that provide stability while allowing subtle twisting and
cushioning. The cable-compliant technology was invented by the late James
Kerley of NASA Goddard for use on the Space Shuttle and International Space
Station. Kerley later teamed with colleagues Wayne Eklund and James Crane to
develop an early version of the walker. 

"This is a great example of how the research essential for the success of the
nation's space program can have clear, tangible benefits in people's daily
lives here on Earth," said Nona Cheeks, chief of the Technology Transfer
Program at NASA Goddard. S.A.M. has been demonstrated to hundreds of physical
therapists at more than 60 facilities, and all of them indicated interest in
using the device.


Enduro Medical Technology
750 Tolland St.
East Hartford, CT 06108
860/289-2299