Locomotor training through a novel robotic platform for gait rehabilitation in pediatric population: short report

• DOI: 10.1186/s12984-016-0206-x
• Publication Date: 2016-11-14T08:59:09Z
• Authors: C. Bayón; S. Lerma; O. Ramírez; J.I. Serrano; M.D. Del Castillo; R. Raya; J.M. Belda-Lois; I. Martínez; E. Rocon
• Keywords: Spastic diplegia; Gait training; Powered exoskeleton; Cadence

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a disorder of posture and movement due to defect in the immature brain. The use robotic devices as alternative treatment improve gait function patients with CP has increased. Nevertheless, current trainers are focused on controlling complete joint trajectories, avoiding postural control adaptation therapy specific patient. This paper presents applicability new platform called CPWalker children spastic diplegia. consists smart walker body weight autonomous locomotion support an exoskeleton for motion support. Likewise, enables strategies during walking. integrated provides means testing novel rehabilitation therapies subjects similar motor disorders. Patient-tailored were programmed device its evaluation three diplegia 5 weeks. After ten sessions personalized training CPWalker, improved mean velocity (51.94 ± 41.97 %), cadence (29.19 33.36 %) step length (26.49 19.58 each leg. Post-3D assessments provided kinematic outcomes closer normal values than Pre-3D assessments. results show potential serve tool. impedance enhanced children's participation therapies. Moreover, participants' was substantially improved, which indicates usefulness approach based promoting patient's trunk while executed. Although promising, further studies bigger sample size required.