Proof of concept functional prototype INES full exoskelet

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common disabilities in childhood. Cerebral
palsy is a permanent non-progressive disease, but the symptoms may become more
severe over time and the impact on daily live as well. Children often
experience limitations in gait and self-mobility which are associated with a
lower quality of life score regarding their physical wellbeing. Robotic devices
has been developed ror gait training and support during daily life for adults.
However these are not suitabel for children with cerebral palsy. Therefore the
aim of the MOTION project was to develop an exoskeleton(INES) for children with
neurological disorders (in particular children with cerebral palsy)to improve
quality of life.

The primary goal of this research is to test the proof of concept of the
functional prototype of the INES exoskeleton for children with CP in the
clinic. In addition,the defined use cases (Donning, Doffing, Sit-to-stand,
Stand to sit, Walk) will be evaluated.

Explorative/feasibility study

Exploratieve/feasibility studie to evaluate the functional prototype of the
INES exoskeleton.

All participants have to visit the Sint Maartenskliniek twice for 2 hours. We
expect that the tests may cause some discomfort, since the participants are not
used to walk in an exoskeleton. In addition it must be noted that he INES
exoskeleton is a functional prototype tested in an clinical environment for the
first time during development. However, all situations will be controlled and
are safe. For balance control, participants are allowed to use assistive
devices. In addition, tests will be performed in a robotic body-weight support
system on an overhead track that allow practicing activities without the risk
of falling. Furthermore, a physical therapist and technician with experiences
in robotic devices will assist during the session. All experiments can be
terminated at any time the participants feels too uncomfortable or the
participant/parent is not willing to continue for any other reason.
The current study is group related, as the exoskeleton is developed for
children with neurological disorders (for example cerebral palsy). Since
children with neurological disorders are the target group, the exoskeleton
should be tested in these children with walking problems such as muscle
weakness, coordination impairment, spasticity and bone deformations. Since we
will test the functional prototype of the INES exoskeleton in the clinic for
the first time, the exoskeleton will be tested in (small) healthy young
adults, before we will start testing with young adults with CP.