Katherine North, OT
March 12, 2026
When I was first introduced to Lite Run, I was a relatively new therapist who had recently transitioned from a rural healthcare setting into a larger system. In rural practice, limited access to specialized equipment required heavy reliance on creativity, clinical reasoning, and task adaptation to mobilize patients. I frequently depended on manual facilitation, positioning strategies, and environmental modifications, often requiring one to two therapists for safe mobility. While these approaches were effective, I was eager to explore how emerging technology could enhance treatment efficiency and patient outcomes.
After moving to a larger system, I encountered Lite Run as a mobility and gait-training device used primarily by physical therapists. As an occupational therapist, I initially struggled to see how the technology aligned with my role and scope of practice. My hesitation stemmed from uncertainty about how the device could support occupational performance and participation-based goals rather than gait mechanics alone. Despite this, I was motivated to trial the equipment and explore its potential within occupational therapy.
My primary concerns were setup time and treatment efficiency in a high-productivity environment. However, I found donning the exosuit to be intuitive and quick, requiring only two primary connections to initiate standing and functional activity. Its portability allowed use across multiple environments, including patient rooms and hallways, enabling integration without sacrificing valuable treatment time.
Once upright, the system provided reliable support without restrictive harnessing. I was able to conduct most sessions independently, without ceiling tracks or a second clinician. This increased flexibility and ecological validity while supporting task-specific training and graded progression.
Interventions progressed from seated to standing activities and from static balance to dynamic movement. I incorporated functional reach, weight shifting, transitions, and reactive balance tasks that mirrored everyday demands. Cognitive challenges were added to promote dual-tasking, problem-solving, and functional endurance, directly linking movement to participation-based goals.
From a therapist perspective, Lite Run improved ergonomics and reduced physical strain by minimizing heavy guarding and lifting. Clinically, patients tolerated more time upright with fewer rest breaks, allowing for greater repetition and intensity of functional movement.
Most importantly, I observed meaningful improvements in patient engagement and self-efficacy. Individuals who previously plateaued demonstrated renewed participation and confidence. Lite Run supported earlier exposure to upright activity through graded challenge, helping rebuild trust in the body and reinforcing that technology can enhance intentional, occupation-centered care.