STEPS Robotic Rehabilitation Center

The Services of STEPS Budapest – Robotic Rehabilitation Center

The STEPS Budapest – Robotic Rehabilitation Center provided approximately 35,000 therapeutic hours of complex care for adult and pediatric patients between 2020 and 2024. Adult care makes up about 60% of all patients, primarily with the following conditions: traumatic spinal cord injury (40%), multiple sclerosis (30%), stroke or traumatic brain injury (20%), as well as neuromuscular or general postoperative conditions (10%). Pediatric care accounts for 40% of the total number, predominantly with cerebral palsy (70%), genetic diseases (10%), and patients diagnosed with mixed specific developmental disorders or peripheral neuropathy (20%).

Our center’s main task is the efficient and safe rehabilitation of individuals with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal problems using robot-assisted technologies and other therapeutic methods. One of the greatest advantages of robotic systems is the high number of repetitions, precise adjustability, and individualized support, which allows for earlier therapy initiation even in cases of severe mobility impairment. Accurate measurements and continuous, objective feedback help ensure that progress is well monitored, and settings can be fine-tuned as needed.

Adult and Pediatric Care

Adult care (60% of total care):

• 40% stroke
• 35% spinal cord injury
• 15% multiple sclerosis
• 10% neuromuscular/general postoperative care

Pediatric care (40% of total care):

• 80% cerebral palsy
• 10% genetic diseases
• 10% mixed specific developmental disorders / peripheral neuropathies

Indication and Contraindication

Indication:

• Neuromuscular diseases (traumatic brain injury, traumatic spinal cord injury, peripheral nervous system damage, cerebral palsy)
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• General rehabilitation care

Contraindication:

• Patients requiring specialist background and close monitoring
• The first 6 weeks of postoperative care
• The ossification phase following a traumatic bone fracture
• Hemodynamically unstable patient
• Patients not yet able to be verticalized
• Untreated vascular diseases

Robotic Equipment and Other Therapeutic Options

Hocoma Lokomat V5 and Lokomat Pro FreeD V6: gait rehabilitation robots that help establish a physiological walking pattern by orthotic fixation of the patient and a body weight support system. Thanks to the FreeD module, an even more natural, three-dimensional range of motion is achievable. The high number of steps (up to 1,500 steps/therapy) provides an intensive yet safe rehabilitation opportunity.

Perpedes: an end-effector type gait rehabilitation device that presents a greater challenge for the patient, as control of the proximal joints of the lower limb remains under their direction. Thanks to the sensors, the patient’s activity is continuously measurable, providing objective data about the load and the quality of movement execution.

Hocoma Andago: a body weight support system offering free space to move, which can offload the patient from 0–100%. This allows for the initiation of an early, complex standing and gait rehabilitation program, reduces the risk of injury, and supports natural movement.

Hocoma Armeo Spring, Tyromotion Amadeo, Pablo, Tymo: devices for upper limb and hand rehabilitation, which track movements during both passive and active therapeutic programs. Through virtual reality and visual feedback, patients can fine-tune their movements, improving hand and arm function as well as cognitive abilities.

Redcord Neurac: a suspension technique designed to correct neuromuscular imbalances. It helps reactivate “sleeping” muscles in a pain-free manner, supporting the restoration of functions and the recovery of correct movement patterns.

BTL SIS: a device utilizing a high-intensity electromagnetic field, suitable for pain relief, aiding the healing of bone fractures, muscle relaxation, and joint mobilization. It can provide quick relief for both acute and chronic pain.

Conductive Pedagogical Care

The conductive education system provides an opportunity for the comprehensive development of the personality and cooperation with peers, paving the way for genuine integration. The basis of conductive pedagogy is that despite neurological damage, the nervous system is capable of building new connections, which can be supported through an appropriate teaching-learning process.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life of children and adults living with mobility difficulties—primarily due to central nervous system injury. Early intervention is of paramount importance, but we also place great emphasis on adult rehabilitation, supporting the recovery of the skills needed for everyday independence and returning to work.

Closing Thoughts

The goal of the STEPS Budapest – Robotic Rehabilitation Center is to provide faster and more effective recovery for patients, whether adults or children, by combining modern technology with a multidisciplinary approach. In our center, expertise, advanced robotic equipment, and personalized care come together in a safe and supportive environment, helping everyone continuously improve their quality of life and independence.