This Exoskeleton Can Help Paraplegic Children

There are many researchers who take risks to prove that no one needs to use wheelchairs in a couple of years. We are not talking about scientific advances or new discoveries about spinal reconstruction.

In the near future, those who work in technology and engineering will connect their world, which consists of computer chips, cables and sensors, to our bodies. In this way , they will be able to restore lost or damaged bodily functions.

This is a hopeful field of development, which requires a lot of investment and commitment from institutions.

One of the most hopeful projects is without a doubt exoskeletons, or outer skeletons, which can leave paraplegic children walking again. This is a touching and complex topic that we will share with you.

An exoskeleton for paraplegic children: something more than movement

This mechanical exhaust skeleton is the product of a type of engineering work that has been studied and developed in various fields for some time. For example , it has been studied in both the military and medical fields, especially in rehabilitation.

Furthermore, it uses various biometric sensors, batteries and hydraulic motors.

At first glance, it seems flashy and even heavy. However, the idea is to get the most ergonomic equipment possible. This is how the exoskeleton can improve the lives of people with reduced mobility and also give them freedom.

Paraplegic children: the patients who need this technology the most

A well-known exhaust skeleton is the 2005 model HAL-5, which aims to help the elderly or disabled to walk.

The device has a long battery life, does not weigh much and has a nice design.

Despite the existence of exoskeletons for older people, the first exoskeleton in the world for children was presented in June last year. It is still in experimental stages, but the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) says that this exoskeleton is only the beginning of their plans for the future in relation to this technology.

• It is important to offer this type of device to paraplegic children who are between 3 and 14 years old and suffer from back problems.

The directors of this robot project explain that these exhaust skeletons will soon appear in hospitals. There, they will act as a form of muscle training treatment. This will help children with spinal cord muscle atrophy to maintain their mobility.

• Intensive rehabilitation using exoskeletons is important for young children. This is because their neuroplasticity and their ability to regain some of their mobility is undoubtedly more hopeful than in the case of adults.
• The exoskeleton is especially necessary in cases of muscle atrophy. This is a type of disease that is diagnosed in children aged 7 to 18 months. Therefore, these children have not even taken a single step so far in life. Furthermore, their physical and muscular deterioration is often progressive.

• Offering this exoskeleton to these patients with muscular atrophy is a glimmer of hope for the children and their families.

This is because this device will allow them to have a better life. Furthermore, they will not only benefit from better mobility, but will also have better physical health and a lower probability that their condition will get worse.

The exhaust skeleton has an uncertain future

For paraplegic children, exhaust skeletons are like the armor of Iron Man. There is something incredible that allows them to stand up and do something that many of them have never done: walk.

• They work by means of a system that stimulates the spine. This system uses sensors, which tap into our neuronal response, no matter how weak, to start the exoskeleton.

• What is difficult is that each child has a different type of muscle atrophy or spinal cord problems. The only way to offer the best treatment to a child is by building a personal exhaust skeleton for each patient.
• Furthermore , exhaust skeletons are expensive as well as complex. Therefore, despite inspiring hopes in children and their families, they are still not something most people can afford.
• There are only a few models in some hospitals. Furthermore, project managers of exhaust skeletons say that the only way for children to get one right now is if the family rents one. Unfortunately this will cost them 800 Euro (around 7500 NOK) a month.

This is a very high amount for the majority of families. Therefore, it is a distant dream to get an exhaust skeleton for your child. Unfortunately, this brings more sadness than joy into the lives of families.

Furthermore , these children need to use and benefit from this technology now. Every month that passes, time is lost for rehabilitation. Waiting also reduces the child’s chances of a better quality of life.

We hope that governments invest in this type of project, because something as basic and wonderful as walking should be available to everyone.