Engaging Kids and Improving Rehab Outcomes by Gamification of Robotic Exoskeletons Combined With Proprioceptive Biofeedback
Georgia Institute of Technology
Summary
Conduct a clinical field trial at CHOA's Day Rehab Program using the clinical exoskeleton in conjunction with visual biofeedback with pediatric patients who present with genu recurvatum or crouch gait over 5 rehabilitation visits.
Description
For children, mobility is a crucial activity of daily living and age-appropriate play, influencing their independence and overall quality of life. However, children with physical disabilities often experience participation restrictions especially related to physical activity. The ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) notes that participation is a key contributor toward a person's overall quality of life. However, children with disabilities often experience significant participation restrictions especially related to physical activity with some studies citing…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 4–21 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 4-21 years * Clinical presence of genu recurvatum or crouch gait during walking * Ability to walk nonstop for at least 6 minutes * Willing to participate in 5 sessions of therapy with the device with each session lasting no more than 2 hours Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to take commands from research staff * Receipt of Botox injection during study trial will disqualify the participant from participating further * Presence of uncontrolled seizures * Non-English speaking
Interventions
- DevicePediatric Knee Exoskeleton
The current knee exoskeleton is designed specifically for use in children. The device can be operated either bilaterally or unilaterally and is capable of providing 10- 17.4 Nm of torque assistance at the knee joint which is \~60% of the average biological joint torque for an American 15 year old child. It is adjustable in height such that the passive hip joint and powered knee joint can be placed at the correct anatomical location for each child. Thigh and calf cuffs are interchangeable to accommodate varying leg sizes. The device is autonomous, allowing a child to move freely and can even be used outdoors. The device can accommodate for varying lower limb alignment presentations, adjusting to accommodate for varying femoral rotations and varum and valgum alignments at the knee. The device can be worn independently of the visual biofeedback video game, but is intended for participants to use in conjunction with the knee exoskeleton.
Location
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - Scottish RiteAtlanta, Georgia