emirates7 - The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) has partnered with Hocoma, a global market leader for the development, manufacturing, and marketing of robotic and sensor-based devices for functional movement therapy, to launch an international initiative enabling People of Determination to walk cross-country distances.

The initiative titled "Small steps to a great journey", reinforces the ZHO’s commitment to the world-class treatment and rehabilitation of People of Determination in helping to overcome challenges within society.

"Small steps to a great journey" will begin in Abu Dhabi with People of Determination using Hocoma’s Lokomat to learn how to walk or improve walking capabilities, before continuing to Istanbul, Turkey (in partnership with Memorial Şişli Hospital), Zagreb, Croatia (in partnership with GLAVIĆ Clinic), and concluding in Zurich, Switzerland, where groups of rehab patients will carry on the challenge in each city.

During the walk, steps and distance will be monitored throughout as the participants will be encouraged to walk the distance of travel between each city and complete a virtual journey.

Concluding at the end of the year, "Small steps to a great journey" will inspire rehab patients in their daily efforts towards improvement as they undergo gait physical therapy using Lokomat.

Abdullah Al Humaidan, ZHO’s Secretary General, said, "At the ZHO, we are committed to supporting People of Determination on their journeys to better health. The ‘Small steps to a great journey’ initiative will see People of Determination across markets, stand up and walk, some for the very first time which is hugely inspiring. By partnering with Hocoma, we have access to state-of-the-art robot-assisted technology and therapists that will support participants as they walk vast distances and push boundaries. We expect this initiative to empower participants, and we walk alongside each person involved in Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Zagreb, and Zurich on a memorable journey, while extending our gratitude to our partners Memorial Hospital and Glavic Clinic for joining us on this endeavour."

Mitja Hribar, Director – International Sales, Hocoma, said, "Over the past 20 years, we have proudly partnered with the most prominent institutions in the field of rehabilitation, bringing advanced solutions to those that need them most. "Small steps to a great journey" encourages all Lokomat users to join the initiative launched by the Zayed Higher Organisation, Memorial Şişli Hospital, and GLAVIĆ Clinic, to promote the importance of perseverance and teamwork. By bringing together patients from all over the globe, we are not only counting steps towards the final destination, but creating a stimulative environment to encourage, support, and as a team, overcome the obstacles along the way."

Prof. Dr. Engin Çakar, Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Robotic Rehabilitation Centre, Memorial Şişli Hospital, said, "This project will touch the lives of rehabilitation survivors and awareness among the public. Understanding and explaining the "Small steps to a great journey" concept is important. With the robotic rehabilitation devices developed by Hocoma, we can safely offer the most effective treatments to our patients for years."

Prim. Dr. Josip Glavić, Founder and Owner of Glavić Clinic, said, "Our mission is to inspire hope and lead forward robotic neurorehabilitation of patients in the world combining the best of human and technology capabilities interaction. Each additional step for our patients is a giant leap of rewards for our team."

Glavić Clinic is a robotic neurorehabilitation centre where neurorehabilitation is carried out following the unique GLARTH concept. By applying advanced technology in treatments for People of Determination, the ZHO launched the region’s first integrated robotic therapy laboratory – Smart Rehabilitation Laboratory.