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Supporting the rehabilitation process of children with (m.p.dz.) through modern technical means

Press release, PHU Technomex

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Supporting the rehabilitation process of children with (m.p.dz.) through modern technical means

Pantherstock

Child on crutches

Some children with cerebral palsy with (m.p.dz.) achieve the ability to walk. However, in comparison to their healthy peers, this ability is achieved later and the gait of these children - despite painstaking improvement - is always incorrect and causes them considerable difficulties. In order for gait improvement to be more effective, a special examination is necessary to determine the exact type and severity of the gait abnormality. Nowadays, additional possibilities are also sought, among others, in the use of special technical aids to facilitate the teaching and improvement of gait.

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About the research project


The proposal concerns the child's participation in a nationwide research project entitled 'Supporting the rehabilitation process of children with ME through modern technical aids'. The project is to be carried out by the Silesian University of Technology, the Faculty of Physiotherapy at the Bielsko-Biała School of Administration and the Technomex Company in Gliwice, in cooperation with children's clinics and rehabilitation centres from all over the country.


It is expected that the child will participate in a one-month gait therapy (5 times a week) with the use of an active orthosis called EGZOSZKIELET (or System G-EO) and a gait examination twice - at the beginning and at the end of this period.


A programme of further gait improvement for the child will also be determined based on the results of these tests.


About the echo and the G-EO SYSTEM


The EGZOSHIELET is used as an aid for people who have difficulty moving (walking) on their own. It is a type of electric orthosis worn over the child's clothing and is computer-controlled. The actuator system facilitates walking movements and exercises to improve weight transfer and perfect gait. The device has several walking modes, allowing the patient to progressively increase gait efficiency and coordination.
TheSYSTEM G-EO is also an automated orthosis for assessing, learning and improving gait. It allows gait training on a moving treadmill under relieved conditions, with simulation (forcing) of a gait pattern close to the physiological one, with full safety of the person undergoing therapy.


Both devices have already been successfully used in gait re-education for a variety of neurological conditions accompanied by gait impairment.
The qualification of the child for therapy with the Exoskeleton or G-EO will be determined by the result of the preliminary examination

About the examination


The study is planned to include a group of walking children with ME who are being improved in outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centres. Before and after therapy with the G-EO system, a functional diagnosis will be carried out on each child. This will include a three-dimensional gait analysis using the BTS system and a standing balance test on a baroreflex platform. The bioelectrical activity of the muscles during gait will also be analysed using surface electromyography (sEMG).

All the above tests are non-invasive, completely safe for the child and participation is completely free of charge.

The following inclusion criteria must be met for your child to participate:

  • minimum height of the child 148 cm (for the Exoskeleton) or 90 cm (for the G-EO system) ,
  • ability to walk unaided or with assistance (ability to walk at least 4-5 metres on their own, with a walker, on crutches or with a companion holding one arm,
  • no contraindication to gait training from the locomotor system or other systems,
  • the child is able to cooperate (follow instructions),
  • written consent of the child's parents or guardians to participate in the research and to publish anonymous photos or a video of the child's therapy and research,
  • As not all children with ME can participate in this type of study, the following exclusion criteria will be applied:
  • too small a child's height,
  • contractures in the knee joints of more than 20 degrees,
  • significant foot deformities,
  • lack of cooperation from the child,
  • advanced osteoporosis preventing safe standing or likely to cause fractures during gait or standing training,
  • active drug-resistant epilepsy,
  • open skin lesions to the trunk and/or lower limbs,
  • cardiac contraindications to gait training,
  • lack of consent for the child to participate.


Participation in the project is completely free of charge.
Registration at the FIZJOFIT Physiotherapy Centre in Gliwice
19 Szparagowa Street
44-141 Gliwice
tel. 32-234-07-25
www.fizjofit.pl
e-mail: fizjofit@fizjofit.pl