This research program sought to understand whether integrating a WalkAide device into specialised physiotherapy sessions improved physical activity levels and skills like running, jumping and weaving for children and young people with cerebral palsy.
Children with cerebral palsy often have weakness or spasticity in their lower leg muscles impacting their ability to walk and run. To overcome this, young people often use a brace or orthotic to prevent trips or falls but the brace often blocks or restricts ankle movements, reducing their speed or agility.
A WalkAide is a small unit that straps around the leg, just under the knee, replacing the need for a brace so the child can use any footwear or go barefoot, offering greater freedom in movement. In contrast to existing orthotics, the WalkAide activates weak muscles of the lower leg through electrical stimulation and can promote a more natural, balanced, and efficient walking pattern.
Previous research had shown WalkAides offered significant improvements for adults with footdrop, but limited research had been done for children.
The study showed that the WalkAide system did provide significant benefits to some children with cerebral palsy and it provides an important additional orthotic choice for those who do not want or do not tolerate a brace or orthotic.
The low-cost associated with the system also assisted clients to find a solution that met their needs and provided Novita with evidence to advocate for NDIS funding for intervention for children with cerebral palsy.
The project was funded the Thyne Reid Foundation and the Channel 7 Children’s Research Foundation.
More information on the tool can be found here - Activity Boost Challenge Research Summary | Novita
Presented at European Academy of Childhood Disability 2017, AusACPDM 2016 and AOPA Congress 2017
Published in AOPA Review 2018.