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A Novel Mobility Device to Improve Walking for a Child With Cerebral Palsy
1Shenandoah University, Winchester, Virginia.
Insights
The Upsee device, combined with Kinesiotaping, significantly improved walking ability and gait patterns in a child with cerebral palsy (CP). This case study highlights a feasible approach for addressing gait impairments in pediatric CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Biomechanical analysis
- Assistive technology
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) often presents with significant gait impairments.
- Early intervention and assistive devices are crucial for improving motor function in children with CP.
- The Upsee and Kinesiotaping are emerging interventions for gait support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the use and outcomes of the Upsee device in conjunction with Kinesiotaping.
- To assess the impact on gait and motor function in a child with CP.
- To describe the clinical feasibility of this combined intervention.
Main Methods:
- A 31-month-old child with CP (GMFCS level III) participated.
- The Upsee and Kinesiotaping were applied for 24 weeks.
- Gait parameters were analyzed via video, and the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM-66) was administered.
Main Results:
- The child progressed from maximal assistance to supervised walking with a walker.
- Significant improvements were observed in gait deviations including genu recurvatum, heel strike, scissoring, hip extension, foot placement, step length, and stiff knee.
- GMFM-66 scores increased by 11.4 points.
Conclusions:
- The Upsee, with or without Kinesiotaping, appears to be a clinically feasible intervention for improving gait impairments in children with CP.
- This approach offers increased walking opportunities while supporting biomechanical alignment.
- Further research is needed to determine the specific effectiveness of Upsee with and without taping.
Purpose:
To describe the use and outcomes associated with the Upsee in conjunction with Kinesiotape for a child with cerebral palsy.
Descriptions:
The Upsee and Kinesiotaping were implemented for 24 weeks with a 31-month-old child with cerebral palsy, Gross Motor Function Classification System level III.
Outcomes:
She progressed from walking with maximal assistance and extensive gait deviations to walking with supervision with a walker on level surfaces with improved gait. Genu recurvatum, heel strike, scissoring, hip extension, foot placement, step length, and stiff knee in swing improved on the basis of videotaped analyses. The Gross Motor Function Measure-66 improved by 11.4.
Conclusions And What This Case Adds:
The Upsee is a clinically feasible approach for gait impairments in children through providing increased opportunities for walking while supporting biomechanical alignment. Upsee effectiveness with and without taping is an area for future study.
