The Hunter Exoskeleton for Lower Limb Exercise and Neuro-rehabilitation – better known as ‘HELLEN’ – is a pair of robotic legs for people who are severely mobility impaired and wheelchair bound.

Because the legs can be operated hands-free, they are suitable for people who suffer quadriplegia as well as paraplegia.

The trial has begun after the Nelson Bay-based Australian Institute of Neuro-rehabilitation (AIN) last year became the first organisation in the country to possess the groundbreaking technology.

The purchase was funded with a $99,000 grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation. 

“We are excited to share with the community that Hunter residents who have registered to participate in the trial are beginning to meet HELLEN for the first time,” AIN chief executive Trish Leonard said. 

She appealed to the community to consider making a donation to the organisation to allow it to further its reach across the Hunter. 

The trial is being run through the University of Newcastle and involves an individualised 12 week exercise program overseen by Nicola Postol, a PHD candidate who has more than 16 years of clinical experience as a neurological physiotherapist. 

It will initially focus on people who have suffered a stroke or who are living with an acquired brain injury. 

“We hope that this research will help us determine if robotic exercise therapy is beneficial for people with stroke and brain injuries, which will allow us to recommend this program to more Australians as part of their ongoing neuro-rehabilitation,” Ms Postol said. 

The organisers are still recruiting participants and Hunter residents over the age of 18 who have suffered a stroke or brain injury over three months ago are eligible to take part. 

People can register their interest or make a donation by calling 0498 479 422.