Tue Apr 23, 2002, 12:40 PM ET
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -(Dow Jones)- The Food and Drug Administration (news
- web sites) cleared HealthSouth Corp. (NYSE: HRC - news) 's (HRC) walking
device, AutoAmbulator, for marketing.
AutoAmbulator assists patients with neurological conditions such as
stroke, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury by replicating a normal
walking pattern. HealthSouth said the machine holds the patient upright
while robotic legs move the patient's legs and sensors linked to a computer
track vital signs, movement and contact pressure.
In a press release Tuesday, HealthSouth said it plans to continue research and work towards putting the device in its facilities by the end of the year.
Currently researchers from HealthSouth and the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Ala., are conducting clinical studies on the machine to rehabilitate persons recovering from stroke and other neurological conditions affecting walking.
HealthSouth plans to gradually expand the availability of the AutoAmbulator to inpatient rehabilitation hospitals in the U.S.
New York Stock Exchange (news - web sites)-listed shares of HealthSouth recently traded at $ 15.25, down 34 cents, or 2.2%, on composite volume of 903,200 shares. Average daily volume is 2.5 million shares.
Company Web site: http://www.healthsouth.com
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