Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Novel Exoskeleton for an Infant with Arm Movement Impairments

Iryna Babik, Elena Kokkoni, Andrea Cunha, James Galloway, Tariq Rahman, Michele Lobo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether a novel exoskeletal device (Pediatric-Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton
[P-WREX]) is feasible and effective for intervention to improve reaching and object interaction for an infant with arm movement impairments. Methods: An 8-month old infant with arthrogryposis was followed
up every 2 weeks during a 1-month baseline, 3-month intervention, and 1-month postintervention. At each
visit, reaching and looking behaviors were assessed. Results: Within sessions, the infant spent more time
contacting objects across a larger space, contacting objects with both hands, and looking at objects when
wearing the P-WREX. Throughout intervention, the infant increased time contacting objects both with and
without the device and increased bilateral active shoulder flexion. Conclusions: (1) It may be feasible for
families to use exoskeletons for daily intervention, (2) exoskeletons facilitate immediate improvements in
function for infants with impaired upper extremity mobility, and (3) interventions using exoskeletons can
improve independent upper extremity function across time.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalPediatric Physical Therapy
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • arthrogryposis
  • assistive device
  • exoskeleton
  • movement impairment
  • rehabilitative device
  • upper extremity

EGS Disciplines

  • Physical Therapy
  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology

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