A tool used by people who hold physical therapy jobs is helping enable independence for people who encounter challenges walking due to injuries, according to a published report.
A 2008 car crash almost took the life of Jared Marr, 22, of Oakhurst, California, ABC local reports. He suffered extensive brain damage and has slowly begun walking again, thanks to Bioness, an art bracing system. His shoes hold a transmitter, he wears flexible braces with electrodes on his knees, and the system transmits signals electronically that prompt movement in his feet.
"There are so many benefits, swelling, spasticity reduction, strengthening of the muscles," physical therapist Tom Mets told the news source.
Also the manager of outpatient services at San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital in Fresno, Mets said users like Jared are able to control how strong the signals are by using controllers that are draped around their necks.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapists typically hold a doctoral degree and must be licensed by the various states in which they work.