Exoskeleton-assisted Physiotherapy for Children With Mobility Impairments

Non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP) and similar childhood-onset neuromotor conditions face many challenges to fulsome participation in everyday life. Recent initial phase research suggests that physiotherapy paired with use of robotic exoskeletons, such as the Trexo exoskeleton ("The Trexo"; Trexo Robotics, Canada) provides a novel opportunity for children with severe mobility challenges to experience active walking that is individualized to their movement potential (guiding and powering leg movements) and upright support needs. This before-and-after study will assess the first-time experience of 10 non-ambulatory children (ages 4-7) using the Trexo for 6 weeks of twice weekly physiotherapy sessions, and evaluate associated brain, muscle and functional outcomes including accomplishment of individualized goals. To study clinical utility, we will simultaneously capture physiotherapists' (PTs) and PT assistants' (PTAs) training/learning/user experiences with the Trexo's first time use within our center's out-patient program and on-site affiliated school. This project will contribute evidence-based knowledge to guide clinical decisions about introduction of the Trexo within pediatric rehabilitation settings (target demographic, potential goals, integration into physiotherapy) and be a foundation for a progressive program of multi-centre research. Overall, we hope that this research will lead to better opportunities for children's meaningful participation within the community, including family and peers.