Body
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently experience gait impairments that reduce their mobility, independence, and quality of life. Passive orthoses are used to help manage gait but do not assist movement or improve strength.
In this project, we are designing and developing an assistive exoskeleton to address gait impairments in children with CP that will be adaptable to their growth and changing needs. An exoskeleton is a wearable walking device that fits around the legs, hips, and/or waist to help with movement. Our design will feature powered joints for the hip, knee, and ankle. A flexible control system will allow for any combination of those powered joints depending on the needs of each child. We are also incorporating an attachment system that enables the joints to be connected to a wide range of existing pediatric orthoses.
With these design features, we are creating a solution that is not only customizable to the needs of each child but also cost-effective and scalable. As children grow, the same joint modules can be attached to their new orthoses, allowing the most expensive components to be reused.
Project Lead
Body
This project is led by Kyle Embry, PhD.
Associated Lab
Body
This project is associated with the Regenstein Foundation Center for Bionic Medicine and Building Advanced Cerebral Palsy Assistive Care Solutions (BACPACS) Centers.
