How do you manage chronic low back pain at the Lille University Hospital?
Since it was shown that active rehabilitation significantly improves the condition of patients, we have set up a rehabilitation program. These courses take place over a period of 4 to 6 weeks, where five days a week, patients lift weights, climb stairs, carry, lower themselves, work on machines, do physical activity... everything is focused on movement for improve their ability to carry out daily or professional activities.
How are you currently managing patients' pain?
The patients all follow the same program, but for patients who are very chronic, very painful, some exercises are personalized or less intensive. It should not be forgotten that low back pain and associated pain are multidimensional problems there are physical factors, but the psychosocial dimension is very entrenched. It is also important to work on the patient's fears and beliefs to dispel kinesiophobia.
How would you describe the Japet.W exoskeleton, what are its advantages?
Japet.W is a dynamic trunk orthosis. The first specificity is to apply forces that reduce disc pressure to relieve lower back pain. The second is from follow the patient's movements to allow the mobilization of the trunk. The unique dimension of Japet.W is that, unlike the existing one, the Device is embedded, which you can walk around with, do your exercises independently. I really like the concept of the device I am wearing and which will at the same time be useful for me to regain mobility.
How is Japet.W perceived by patients?
A patient who used the Japet.W exoskeleton told us that she had the feeling that her upper body was being raised. The effect of traction is interesting: patients feel lighter, supported, relieved; it's a fairly surprising, reassuring sensation.
Discover the France 3 article on the exoskeleton test at the Lille University Hospital”A promising exoskeleton against back pain tested in Lille”.
