Level of Injury: N/A
ASIA: D
Cause: Leukodystrophy
Age at Onset: Progressed from age 12

My daughter has used her RT300 for over two years now, and I am as certain as anything that it has made a difference in her functioning.  She has an unnamed leukodystrophy and has lost the ability to use her legs.  Her condition had  caused her to be very weak and fatigued.

We were able to see the RT300 when it was brand new, just cleared by FDA, and were actually able to let her try it out as a demo. By this time, she was in a wheelchair all the time, only able to stand to transfer and take a step or two with assistance. Her legs were very “stiff” and difficult to move.  She also has lots of clonus.  We had a regular exercise bike for her but she could no longer pedal it. We would strap her feet in and turn the wheels manually just to exercise her legs some. When they hooked her up to the RT300,  I could not believe that she could pedal it! That is a pretty amazing piece of equipment.

We were able to get her own RT300  here at our house and literally saw instant results.  The first time she used it for an hour, we told her we would celebrate by going out for ice cream.  When we were putting her in the car, she actually bent her knees and drew her feet up into the car all on her on.  This had not happened in over a year.  Her legs seemed suddenly light as feathers.  Being the mother that I am, I put her feet back down on the garage floor and said “Can you do that again?” and she did with a huge grin to boot!  Another amazing first was that in her hour of exercise, she broke a sweat, which she had not moved enough to do in some time. The circulation, the use of muscles, and the feeling of being able to better move her legs on her own were rewards in themselves for her. After a few weeks, we could actually see improved muscle definition in her thighs. The improved strength of her leg and hip muscles has allowed for a more aggressive and successful physical therapy program.

Dr. McDonald documented that the repetition of activity can actually regenerate some neurological loss. Now that we’ve used the RT300 this long, I am inclined to believe this with my eyes.  Two years ago I could not imagine that by now my daughter would still be able to transfer as well as she does (bedroom and bathroom), get up out of the bathtub, sometimes without assistance, and be as self sufficient as she still can be.  In physical therapy, she has progressed from walking about 15 feet with AFO’s and rolling walker to 60 feet without stopping to rest. After a brief rest she walks an additional 60 feet. The weight bearing exercise of walking is very important to ward off osteoporosis. The RT300 has allowed her to build some strength and mobility so that she can do these things. Her overall physical appearance has improved because of the increased circulation and exercise.

I must also emphasize that the RT300 is very easy to use. It only takes a few minutes to hook her up and she watches a movie or TV while she uses it. It is simple and not a big deal to have to do. It sits in the corner of her room with enough space for her wheelchair behind it, and is not in the way.

My daughter is almost 23 years old. Her condition is progressive, but she has been “stable” for over a year now. That in itself is a miracle. She is very social and wants to do everything she can. And I certainly want her to. Who knows what tomorrow may bring. I am certain that the exercise provided by the RT300 has been a significant factor in the delay of her deterioration and her improved strength and well being.

Life has no certainties for anyone in regards to the future. We try to make the best of today and see God’s blessings along the way. All the things that we have been able to do to try to help our daughter give us the peace that we’ve tried what we could. That is a good feeling. We’ll accept what comes knowing we did what we could. The RT300 is one thing we’ve tried that we know was worthwhile.

Beth Bowen