Andago
Moving through real-world environments is an important part of recovery. At Brooks Rehabilitation, we use Andago to help you work on walking and balance while moving freely through an open area.
Unlike treadmill-based systems, Andago allows you to practice walking on the ground with body-weight support and fall protection. This allows you to work on mobility in a setting that more closely resembles your everyday life — like walking through our halls.
What is Andago?
Andago is a mobile robotic gait and balance training system. The device supports a portion of your body weight while helping protect you from falls. Because the system moves with you, you can practice mobility activities beyond a treadmill. This technology helps people with walking and balance challenges participate in more intensive, real-life mobility training.
Who Andago therapy helps
Andago may help people who have difficulty walking safely or independently, including geriatric patients.
This technology is also helpful for people with:
How Andago therapy works
The Andago system looks like a tall robotic walker with a frame that surrounds you from behind and above. You wear a harness connected to an arm above your head, and as you move, the device rolls with you.
As you move forward, stop, turn or change direction, the system follows your movements. This allows you to practice walking in a more natural environment while receiving support and fall protection.
Rather than staying in one place like a treadmill, the Andago travels through the therapy space alongside you. Many people say it feels like having a safety net that moves with you. You remain in control of where you go, while the device provides support and helps reduce your fear of falling.
As you improve, your physical therapist can gradually reduce the amount of body-weight support provided during training.
Depending on your goals, your therapist may have you:
- Change directions while walking
- Navigate around obstacles
- Practice balance activities
- Step over objects
- Walk through open therapy spaces
Key benefits of Andago therapy
Andago combines body-weight support with overground gait training. The system provides fall protection and adjustable support. You can challenge yourself while moving through a variety of therapy activities without worrying about falling.
This technology helps increase:
- Confidence during mobility activities
- Opportunities for balance training and overground walking
- Time spent practicing mobility skills
How Brooks supports your recovery with Andago therapy
At Brooks, we look for ways to make therapy both challenging and meaningful. Andago allows our therapists to focus on mobility activities that closely reflect your everyday movement.
This technology gives you the freedom to move through real environments during your therapy.
During rehabilitation, your team:
- Adjusts support as you progress: Therapy changes as you get stronger and your mobility improves.
- Builds treatment around functional goals: We focus activities on mobility skills you use in your everyday life.
- Creates opportunities for safe movement: Fall protection rehabilitation allows you to participate more confidently, without fear.
- Individualizes your therapy program: We tailor activities to your specific needs and recovery goals.
- Tracks your progress over time: Your therapist monitors your performance and updates your treatment accordingly.
FAQs about Andago therapy
How is Andago different from a treadmill?
A treadmill keeps you moving in one location. Andago allows you to walk over the floor, change directions and move through a therapy space while receiving body-weight support.
Does Andago prevent falls?
The system includes a safety harness to keep you upright and prevent falling during training. Your therapist also remains with you throughout treatment, though.
Do I have to support all of my weight while using Andago?
No. Your therapist can adjust the amount of body-weight support provided during therapy. As you get stronger and improve, we may gradually reduce the level of support you need.
Getting started at Brooks Rehabilitation
Find out more about becoming a patient. You can also contact us to learn about Andago and other technology options we offer.