Development Activities

D2

3D Pediatric Robotic Gait Training Improves Locomotor Function in Children with CP

This project is structured to develop a novel 3-d pediatric robotic gait trainer that allows naturalistic stepping during treadmill training of children with cerebral palsy. The device is designed to improve walking ability through in-home treatment. Anticipated development results include improved walking ability and more effective in-home therapy.

  • PI
    • Ming Wu, Ph.D.
  • Patient population
    • Cerebral Palsy (CP): 30
  • Project goal
    • Develop and test a novel 3D robotic gait training
      system
      • Applies controlled forces in both the sagittal and frontal planes
      • Allows a naturalistic 3D stepping during treadmill training

D2 Specific Aims

  1. Develop 3D robotic gait training system that applies controlled forces to both sagittal and frontal planes during treadmill training
    1. Develop 3D cable driven robotic gait training system that applies synchronized forces to both the pelvis and legs during treadmill training
    2. Develop child-friendly biofeedback system to improve active involvement of children with CP during training sessions
  2. Improve locomotor function in children with CP through 3D robotic BWSTT
    1. Test improvements of locomotor function in children with CP through 3D robotic gait training that applies controlled forces to both pelvis and legs
    2. Compare training effect of the 3D robotic BWSTT vs. BWSTT alone

D2 Video: Robotic Gait Trainer

Video shows a new 3D pediatric, robotic gait trainer. The system allows natural stepping motion during treadmill therapy and training with children with cerebral palsy. The training is designed to improve a child's walking ability using an at-home treatment approach.

View with video description.

D2 Conceptual Model

  • 3D robotic gait training system
    • Works in conjunction with a body-weight support system and motorized treadmill
    • Applies the pelvis (in the frontal plane) and legs (in the sagittal plane)

Drawing shows all components of the 3D cable driven apparatus with body weight support system.

D2 Tasks

  •  Aim 1
    • Manufacture cable robot
    • Develop control software
    • Develop biofeedback system
  • Aim 2
    • Subject recruitment
    • Treadmill training
      • Pre-training gait analysis
      • Post-training gait analysis
    • Data analysis

D2 Anticipated Timeline

Activity Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Specific Aim 1
  a. Manufacture of the 3D robotic system Q1Q2Q3Q4
  b. Development of control software Q1Q2Q3Q4
  c. Development of biofeedback program Q1Q2Q3Q4
  d. Data analysis and publication Q1Q2Q3Q4
Specific Aim 2
  a. Subject recruitment Q1Q2Q3Q4 Q1Q2Q3Q4 Q1Q2Q3Q4
  b. 3D robotic treadmill training Q1Q2Q3Q4 Q1Q2Q3Q4 Q1Q2Q3Q4
  c. Data analysis and publication Q1Q2Q3Q4

D2 Update: Poster Presentation

Alex Griffin presented at the annual Medical College Research Day on October 4, 2012.