A multipurpose orthosis for paralysed children.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Pediatric Physical Therapy
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Children with severe paralysis affecting the trunk and lower limbs face significant challenges in performing basic daily activities.
• Traditional assistive devices like standing tables and adapted chairs are often numerous, cumbersome, and require substantial space.
• Managing the daily needs of such children at home can be a considerable burden for caregivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel, multipurpose assistive equipment for severely paralyzed children.
• To assess the practicality and space-saving benefits of the designed equipment for home use.
• To provide a solution that empowers parents in managing the care of their handicapped child at home.

Main Methods:

• Design and development of a portable, multipurpose assistive device.
• Evaluation of the equipment's functionality for sitting, standing, and activities of daily living.
• Assessment of the equipment's space requirements and portability for home environments.

Main Results:

• The developed equipment successfully facilitates essential functions such as sitting and standing.
• The multipurpose design reduces the need for multiple single-use aids.
• The equipment is portable and occupies minimal space, making it suitable for home use.
• Parents found the equipment beneficial in managing the daily care of their children.

Conclusions:

• A novel, portable, and multipurpose assistive device can significantly aid severely paralyzed children in their daily activities.
• This equipment offers a practical and space-efficient solution for home-based care, reducing the burden on parents.
• The development represents a valuable advancement in assistive technology for pediatric rehabilitation.