Engineers at MIT are in the process of developing robotic devices that can be used as a form of cerebral palsy treatment.
The robotic devices that are being built are designed to help those experiencing cerebral palsy symptoms. The devices allow birth injury patients to learn how to control their arms and legs. The engineers had originally designed the devices to help stroke patients but are now testing them on cerebral palsy patients. The suite of robots has been used in clinical trials for more than 15 years. The suite has helped patients with movement issues in their wrists, hands, ankles, shoulders and elbows.
The MIT engineers claim that the devices will help to rebuild brain connections that guide limbs when patients try to make a specific movement. Since children's brains are more plastic and able to establish new connections, the engineers have hope that the treatment will help.
The team of engineers is using the robotic devices to help cerebral palsy patients reach and grasp objects. The device is connected to a computer monitor that displays tasks for the patients.
