| Applicability of a new robotic walking aid in a patient with cerebral palsy. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 21602760 Owner: NLM Status: Publisher |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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BACKGROUND: Gait training with the help of assistive technological devices is an innovative field of research in neurological rehabilitation. Most of the available gait training devices do not allow free movement in the environment, which would be the most suitable natural and motivating condition for training children with neurological gait impairment. AIM: To evaluate the potential applicability of a new robotic walking aid as a tool for gait training in non-ambulatory children with Cerebral Palsy. DESIGN: Single case study SETTING:Outpatient regimen POPULATION: A 11-years-old child unable to stand and walk independently as a result of spastic tetraplegic cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: The experimental device was a newly actuated version of a dynamic combined walking and standing aid (NF-Walker®) available in the market which was modified by means of two pneumatic artificial muscles driven by a foot-switch inserted in the shoes. The child was tested at baseline (while maintaining the standing position aided by the non-actuated NF-Walker®) and in the experimental condition (while using the actuated robotic aid). The outcome measures were: 2-minute walking test, 10-metre walking test, respiratory and heart parameters, energy cost of locomotion. RESULTS: At baseline, the child was unable to perform any autonomous form of locomotion. When assisted by the actuated aid (i.e. during the experimental condition), the child was successful in moving around in his environment. His performance was 19.63 m in the 2-minute walking test and 64 s in the 10-metre walking test. Respiratory and heart parameters were higher than healthy age-matched children both at baseline and in the experimental condition. The energy cost of gait, which was not valuable in the baseline condition, was significantly higher than normality during the experimental condition. CONCLUSION: The new robotic walking aid may help children suffering from CP with severe impairment of gait to move around in their environment. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: This new robotic walking device may have a potential impact in stimulating the development and in training of gait in children with neurological gait impairment. Future studies are warranted in order to test this hypothesis. |
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Authors:
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N Smania; M Gandolfi; V Marconi; A Calanca; C Geroin; S Piazza; P Bonetti; P Fiorini; A Cosentino; C Capelli; D Conte; M Bendinelli; D Munari; P Ianes; A Fiaschi; A Picelli |
Publication Detail:
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Type: JOURNAL ARTICLE Date: 2011-5-23 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine Volume: - ISSN: 1973-9095 ISO Abbreviation: - Publication Date: 2011 May |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2011-5-23 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 101465662 Medline TA: Eur J Phys Rehabil Med Country: - |
Other Details:
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Languages: ENG Pagination: - Citation Subset: - |
Affiliation:
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Neuromotor and Cognitive, Rehabilitation Research Centre, Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement SciencesUniversity of Verona, Verona, Italy2 Neurological Rehabilitation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy3 Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement SciencesNeurology Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy4 Faculty of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Verona, Verona, Italy5 Computer Science Department, University of Verona, Verona, Italy6 Rehabilitation Unit "C. Santi", Polyfunctional Centre Don Calabria, Verona, Italy7 PhD Course in Experimental Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation applied to Human Locomotor System"La Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy - nicola.smania@univr.it. |
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