Alysse Einbender, center, who is paralyzed, demonstrates the ReWalk suit that enables paraplegics to stand, walk, and climb stairs. Einbender is the first participant in a U.S. clinical trial to test the new technology that was developed in Israel.

PHILADELPHIA — A Pennsylvania rehabilitation hospital has started the first U.S. clinical trials of a motorized robotic suit that uses computer sensors to help paralyzed patients stand and walk.

Called "ReWalk," the device can help paraplegics — using crutches for stability — to stand and walk when they lean forward and move their upper body in different ways. Users must have use of their hands and shoulders to operate it.

"The first time they strapped it on and I stood up, it was amazing, very exhilarating, thrilling," said Alysse Einbender, 49, of Wyncote, the first U.S. patient to test the ReWalk at Moss Rehabilitation Hospital just outside Philadelphia.

"Walking is something people take for granted," Einbender, who has used a wheelchair since experiencing a rare spinal cord stroke five years ago. "The restoration of that movement would be enormous ... just being able to stand at a stove and cook, or stand at a sink to do dishes."

The eight-week clinical trials will involve about a dozen patients and take roughly a year to complete, said Dr. Alberto Esquenazi, chairman of Moss Rehab's department of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

The 35-pound device, worn outside of clothing, consists of leg braces outfitted with motion sensors and motorized joints that respond to subtle changes in upper-body movement and shifts in balance. A harness around the patient's waist and shoulders keeps the suit in place; a backpack holds the computer and rechargeable 3 1/2-hour battery.

Moss Rehab is the only U.S. site for clinical trials to establish the safety and performance of ReWalk. Designed by Argo Medical Technologies based in Israel, the device has previously undergone successful trials with several paraplegic soldiers there, said Esquenazi, who is helping Argo develop ReWalk.ReWalk could be on the market in two years if trials are successful and pending regulatory approvals. The estimated price tag is steep — $35,000 — but it could prevent pressure sores and other paralysis-related problems that require far costlier hospital stays, Esquenazi said."It's a wonderful feeling being upright," Einbender said. "But it's really about ... the effects on self-esteem, life, enthusiasm and spirit. (It) puts you back in the game."

Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Pa., left, greets Dr. Amit Goffer, CEO of Argo Medical Technologies Ltd. in Israel and inventor of the ReWalk suit which enables paraplegics to stand, walk, and climb stairs, at the MossRehab rehabilitation hospital in Elkins Park, Pa. Tuesday, June 30, 2009. The first clinical trial in the U.S. of the new technology is being held at the MossRehab with its first participant already enrolled.