Check out Trexo Robotics exoskeleton for children. It attaches to a gait trainer and helps children with disabilities learn to walk. It will be undergoing a clinical trial this May at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and then will hopefully be more widely available around the country.

Walking has numerous essential health benefits and is critical in children with physical disabilities who are unable to stand or walk on their own. It is important to be in an upright, weight-bearing position in order to maintain joint, muscle, bone, and skin health. Children who spend much of their day in a wheelchair are at risk for a variety of health complications including pressure sores. Relief of pressure on skin surfaces with this change in position will decrease the risk of skin breakdown from prolonged sitting. Being upright at intervals throughout the day will provide the opportunity for gravity-assisted stretching, self-initiated joint range of motion, and stimulating bone mineral density to help counter the process of osteoporosis and hip dysplasia. The upright position also improves respiration, digestion, circulation, and bowel/bladder function. Being in a supported standing position, children are able to accept weight through their legs to their tolerance. Ambulation provides opportunities for physical exercise that will have positive circulatory and respiratory benefits. Repetitive step-taking, such as with the person’s body weight supported, has been shown to improve ambulatory function of persons with neurological injury through neuroplasticity.

This is an exciting development in the field of pediatric rehabilitation and we look forward to learning more about it and seeing it in action.