The pediatric robotic-assisted rehabilitation complex for children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: Background and product design

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common children and adults movement disorder that is associated with life-long disability and multiple impairments. Children with CP demonstrate poor fine and gross motor function due to psychomotor disturbances. Early rehabilitation programs are essential for children with CP and should be appropriate for the age and functional condition of the patients. Robot-assisted training (RAT) is a widespread approach for locomotion rehabilitation but the existing devices have a number of disadvantages. The aim of the study was the development of the design of an innovative robotic-assisted complex for the rehabilitation of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Medical data from 75 case-records of patients with CP (age 2-14) that underwent RAT using the existing devices (COBS Feedback and/or MOTOmed) were copied. Age, CP form, rehabilitation method, Gross Motor Function Classification System, modify Ashworth scale, Medical Research Council Paralysis Scale assessment before and after the rehabilitation course were included. All received information was added to an electronic database for storage and subsequent processing. A number of disadvantages of the existing RAT devices were found and medical and engineering needs and characteristics for proposed rehabilitation complex were listed. The innovative pediatric robotic-assisted complex will be an advanced technical solution for rehabilitation of CP and will allow improve psychomotor functions, dynamic activities, the quality of life and the social adaptation opportunities of CP patients.