Yesterday, Tuesday, January 13, I had a strong and meaningful walking session using the Atalante X exoskeleton. Sessions like this matter not because they are dramatic, but because they are specific, intentional, and rooted in skill-building.
This session included trying a new software update that allowed me to work my hips and knees independently. That level of control changes how I experience movement. Instead of my legs moving as a single unit, I could focus on how each joint and muscle group contributed to the walk. Feeling individual muscles engage provides clear feedback and helps me better understand what my body is doing in real time.
That feedback is important. It allows me to adjust, respond, and build strength with more precision. This is not about pushing harder. It is about moving smarter.
Working Hips and Knees Independently
The ability to move hips and knees in isolation is especially valuable for someone with complex mobility needs. When movement is broken down into smaller components, it becomes easier to identify what is working well and what needs more support.
During this session, I could feel when my hips were doing more of the work and when my knees needed additional attention. That awareness helps guide future sessions and informs how settings are adjusted over time. It also reinforces the idea that adaptive technology works best when it allows customization rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Side Stepping and Core Challenges
We also practiced side-stepping, which added a different kind of challenge. My core strength is currently limited, which makes balance difficult. I needed frequent corrections, and maintaining upright alignment required constant attention.
Even so, I value this kind of practice. Side-stepping engages coordination, stability, and control in ways that straight-line walking does not. It exposes areas that need more work and highlights how interconnected movement really is. Practicing these skills supports long-term functional goals, even when the movement feels messy or imperfect.
Progress does not require everything to look polished. It requires showing up, noticing what is happening, and continuing to work within real constraints.
Sustaining Lower Robotic Assistance
By the end of the session, I sustained 30 percent robotic assistance for several laps. That number matters to me. I have not reached that level of assistance in several months, and returning to it reflects consistency, patience, and ongoing effort.
Lower assistance means my body has to do more of the work. It requires strength, endurance, and coordination, all working together. Reaching this point again was not accidental. It came from steady practice and incremental adjustments over time.
Why Sessions Like This Matter
Walking sessions like this reinforce why adaptive technology is most effective when paired with intentional practice and thoughtful customization. The technology provides access, but the work happens through repetition, awareness, and skilled support.
This session was a reminder that progress does not always show up as big milestones. Sometimes it shows up as better control, clearer feedback, and renewed confidence in what is possible. That kind of progress is sustainable, and it is worth recognizing.
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