Evaluation of Outcomes of Robotics Rehabilitation in Cerebral Palsy

Evaluation of Outcomes Related to Walking in a Rehabilitation Program Supported by Robotics (Lokomat) in Children Suffering From Congenital and Acquired Brain Injuries

The use of robotic devices in rehabilitation programs can improve walking patterns by reorganizing joint kinematics. This study aims to quantify the effects of a rehabilitation program supported by the Lokomat (Hocoma) robotic device on walking in children and young people with movement disorders, considering different levels of impairment.

Cerebral Palsy is one of the most common neuromotor disorders in pediatric age, characterized by permanent movement and posture impairments, often affecting walking. In recent decades, advancements in robotics have revolutionized rehabilitation. Studies have shown that combining conventional physiotherapy with robotic rehabilitation tools offers greater benefits in patient recovery. At the IRCCS Eugenio Medea, a robotic rehabilitation program using the Lokomat (Hocoma) has been implemented for several years to improve walking in children and young people with walking disorders. The investigators hypothesize that robotic devices can enhance walking ability (e.g., speed, stride length) and reorganize joint kinematics. This study aims to quantify the effects of this treatment based on the level of impairment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of CP;
• able to walk independently with or without assistance

Exclusion Criteria:

• presence of behavioral problems;
• presence of uncontrolled seizures
• presence of severe visual disturbances.