Cerebral palsy is a condition that sometime results in orthopaedic consequences. This may affect the muscle reflexes, tone, balance, coordination and the ability to walk.
Children with cerebral palsy may soon have robotic leg assistance for their legs. This will be a new powerful physical therapy technique. Research is being done on the potential benefits of this technique. It will then be adapted for use by kids with palsy.
The robotic gait training program is known as lokomat. It has been around for some years, but only for adults. Treating children is a different process as compared to adults. This is not because they are small. They also need attitude and motivation, just like in school.
This technique is becoming more popular. Especially for parents who want the newest technologies and interventions. It is good to listen to the child’s perspective. It is not always the case that all children want to walk or use the robot.
The legs support the body weight. It also guides them through the ordinary motions of walking. This helps to reduce the need to hold on to something as they walk. Thus, it provides a big morale boost for these kids. You can adjust the amount of support and body weight support.
This will improve the child’s confidence to participate in various activities in the community and around their homes.
The study will undergo randomized and controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of the robotic therapy. This can be a major success even if it could have minimal physical effect. This can be a great success in the psychological part.
The study on use of robotic leg may last approximately five years. It will also involve more than 140 children. After all, good science takes time. Currently, the University of Alberta is looking for kids with cerebral palsy to try out this therapy on them.
In case you have more tips on this subject contact Risper Buyeke at risper@kerosi.com
