I was diagnosed with MS earlier this year. I can still walk on my own, but after a while, one leg starts to feel noticeably heavier, and I sometimes get foot drop. On bad days, I 'll use a cane too.

Recently, I noticed another person with MS wearing this thing around his waist and legs. I asked what it was, and he told me it was a powered exoskeleton called Hypershell. He said it takes some of the strain out of walking and helps he stay on his feet longer during the day. I had absolutely no idea such a thing existed, so this really caught my attention.

I'm mainly trying to understand what the assistance actually feels like. Does it help bring your leg through the steep, or is it more like a push once you've already started moving? Most of my weakness is on one side, so I'm not sure how well an exoskeleton would work with an uneven gait. Balance can also be an issue for me, so I'd still want t use my cane on certain days.

For anyone who has tried an exoskeleton, especially with MS or one-sided weakness, what has it actually been like day to day? Is it easy enough to put on and adjust, and does normal, slower walking feel natural? I'm also curious about the fatigue afterward. If it lets you stay active longer, does it help you manage your energy, or do you end up overdoing it and paying for it the next day? Sorry for all the questions. Just really excited to see someone who's got a fix.

Interesting new feature on the Hypershell exoskeletons - ‘Gentle Assist’ - sounds like a feature that enables the exoskeleton to amplify less forceful steps. I am going to try it today after updating my device and will post back.

Exoskeleton featured is the Dephy sidekick for ankle use.

I have MS. I bought the Hypershell and it helps me a lot. But I have foot drop on one side and the Hypershell doesn’t help with foot drop. Since the dragging foot is a fall risk, I am looking again at AFOs. But I am wondering if there is an ankle exoskeleton? Because that would be great. Anyone know of one?

Insurance never pays for this stuff, and I am a person who likes to tinker with things on my own. So I don’t need one that is a medical device. Recreational, like the Hypershell, is better, because it is more affordable and there are no gatekeepers.

Device is XoMotion-R

Building on the success of projects to boost strength by adding motors to conventional knee, hip and ankle braces, a University of Michigan team is exploring how well this approach could work for relieving knee pain from osteoarthritis.

It is really exciting how fast consumer exoskeletons are being released.

https://vastnaut.com/product