For children age 4 and up who have a movement disorder or condition such as cerebral palsy, ataxia, traumatic brain injury or spina bifida, Riley at IU Health offers an innovative therapy that can help them move and function better.
Robotic-assisted therapy enhances motor function in pediatric patients, using robots to create consistent, repetitious motion. It is often blended with traditional rehabilitation to help your child reach his/her full potential. Children may work on a specific area of the body or they may focus on improving balance, walking, standing and other daily activities.
Our therapists combine robotic devices with repetition, games and activities that appeal to children. In Indiana, these technologies are available only at Riley at IU Health through Neurorehabilitation and Robotics at the Indiana University Health Neuroscience Center.
What to Expect
What to Expect
Your child receives a thorough evaluation to determine whether robotic-assisted therapies will benefit his or her treatment. Our team of physical therapists and rehabilitation experts design a unique care plan for each child, which may include these robotic-assisted therapy options:
- Hocoma® Lokomat. This exoskeleton robot helps kids improve walking, endurance and strength while they are supported over a treadmill.
- Reha Technologies® G-EO. The G-EO is an end-effector-based robot that helps children learn improved walking patterns through assisted, repetitive movement in a supported environment.
- InMotion Technologies® Shoulder-Elbow Robot. Using the Shoulder-Elbow Robot, children practice shoulder-elbow movements with customized programs.
- InMotion Technologies® Wrist Robot. This technology helps children improve control of their wrists and hands. Patients sit in front of a video screen and complete activities with a joystick.
- Hocoma® Armeo Spring. Children use this device to practice real-world tasks in a virtual reality. The Armeo Spring helps patients learn proper movement patterns without the effects of gravity.
- InMotion Technologies® Anklebot. The Anklebot trains and fine-tunes ankle and foot control needed for standing and walking.
What to Bring
Parents and caregivers can prepare for their child’s first physical and occupational therapy appointment by reading our instructions and bringing the completed forms, both of which are available below. If your child is coming to us for motion analysis, our instructions below explain how to dress and what you can expect.
Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapy Instructions/Forms (Riley at IU Health): These instructions and forms should be read and completed before your child’s first physical or occupational therapy appointment.
Motion Analysis Instructions/Forms (Riley at IU Health): You can prepare for your child’s motion analysis by reading these instructions.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- Robotic-assisted therapy at Riley at IU Health offers innovative treatment options for children age 4 and above.
- Through the IU Health Neuroscience Center, Riley at IU Health is the only location in Indiana that offers these technologies for children.
- Our devices can improve function in a specific area of the body.
- Children affected by health conditions such as cerebral palsy can use robotic-assisted therapy to improve balance, walking, standing and other daily activities.
- Our therapists use repetition, games and activities that appeal to children.
- Robotic-assisted therapy may be combined with traditional rehabilitation.