Robot-assisted and computer-enhanced therapies for children with cerebral palsy: current state and clinical implementation.
The field of pediatric neurorehabilitation has rapidly evolved with the introduction of technological advancements over recent years. Rehabilitation robotics and computer-assisted systems can complement conventional physiotherapeutics or occupational therapies. These systems appear promising, especially in children, where exciting and challenging virtual reality scenarios could increase motivation to train intensely in a playful therapeutic environment. Despite promising experience and a large acceptance by the patients and parents, so far, only a few therapy systems have been evaluated in children, and well-designed randomized controlled studies in this field are still lacking. This narrative review aims to provide an overview about the to-date robot-assisted and computer-based therapies and the current level of evidence and to share the authors experience about the clinical implication of these new technologies available for children with cerebral palsy.
Head Division of Paediatric Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Centre, Rehabilitation Centre Affoltern am Albis, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. andreas.meyer-heim@kispi.uzh.ch
Andreas
A
Meyer-Heim
Hubertus J A
HJ
van Hedel
D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000628:therapy*; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000502:physiology; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014584:User-Computer Interface