According to DisabilityScoop, researchers are working with a robotic device that could help children with cerebral palsy gain strength, and improve their posture and walking ability. 
The website reported that the system is known as the Tethered Pelvic Assist Device, and is being looked at for helping those with a crouch gait improve their abilities so that their hips, knees and ankles do not bend excessively.
Researchers discovered that of the 15 people participating in training sessions with the device, six children had improvement in posture and muscle coordination, as well as range-of-motion.
The training sessions involved the children wearing the pelvic robot device while walking on a treadmill. The device applies downward force, similar to something a child would encounter if he or she was carrying a backpack. This helps retrain and work certain leg muscles, gaining strength and memory.
“Currently, there is no well-established physical therapy or strengthening exercise for the treatment of crouch gait,” a researcher told DisabilityScoop. To read more about the study, you can click on the source link below.
Researchers are hoping to conduct more clinical trials with larger groups examining the device—looking for children with hemiplegic and quadriplegic cerebral palsy.
Helping Children with Cerebral Palsy
Although the difficulties associated with cerebral palsy may seem too much to bear at times for parents, it is important to remember that researchers are attempting to find ways to assist children. Additionally, specialized schools, local religious organizations, support groups and care centers also offer different means of assistance to those with cerebral palsy and their families.
If you or a loved one is living with cerebral palsy from a birth injury, contact our birth trauma attorneys. We may be able to help you recover damages to pay for future medical costs, if the condition was caused by negligence.
Our Ryan Krebs, M.D., J.D., is highly qualified to handle medical malpractice cases.
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – Birth Injury Attorneys
Source: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2017/07/27/robotic-device-promise-cp/23977/
