Susanne Markendorf

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About

Susanne Markendorf is a pioneering researcher in the field of cardiovascular rehabilitation, with a specialized focus on the application of robot-assisted gait therapy for post-surgical and chronic heart failure patients. Her work bridges the gap between advanced robotics and clinical cardiology, exploring the feasibility and safety of using the Lokomat® system—a robotic exoskeleton—to enhance early recovery after open heart surgery. In her landmark 2015 study, she demonstrated that robot-assisted training is not only safe but also feasible within days of cardiac surgery, laying the groundwork for a new standard in postoperative care. Her subsequent pilot work in heart failure patients, though small in scale, provided critical early evidence that structured robotic aerobic training could be tolerated by individuals with significantly reduced ejection fractions. With over 30 combined citations, Markendorf’s contributions are foundational for researchers investigating technology-driven cardiac rehabilitation. Her work is particularly notable for its focus on patient populations often excluded from conventional exercise programs, highlighting her commitment to expanding access to safe, effective rehabilitation for the most vulnerable cardiac patients.