A step ahead with Trexo Plus robotic legs

HN Summary

• Hamilton Health Sciences is using Trexo Plus robotic legs to help young children with conditions like cerebral palsy improve strength, coordination and mobility through intensive physical therapy. 

• The wearable robotic device collects real-time data on movement and support needs, helping therapists track progress and tailor treatment plans for pediatric patients. 

• Clinicians and families hope the technology will improve independence, confidence and quality of life for children with limited ability to walk.

When Lily Maracle was offered the chance to try walking on her own using robotic legs, the four-year-old Hamilton girl stepped right up to the challenge.

Lily was born with cerebral palsy and relies on a walker to get around. To help build strength, endurance and coordination, Lily visits Hamilton Health Sciences’ (HHS) Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre (RJCHC) for physical therapy that now includes chasing bubbles around the gym and kicking a ball down the hallway wearing Trexo Plus robotic legs, developed by Mississauga-based Trexo Robotics. The RJCHC is part of Hamilton Health Sciences’ McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH).

Lily’s mother Christal Coates hopes physical therapy sessions using the wearable robotic legs will help Lily build strength and endurance, and improve her gait. “It’s an amazing piece of equipment,” says Coates. “We’re excited to see how it will help her.”

Bringing Trexo Plus to our patients

In April, RJCHC’s developmental pediatrics and rehabilitation program started offering therapy sessions using Trexo Plus for some young patients who either can’t walk or, like Lily, have limited ability to walk.

“Bringing Trexo Plus to McMaster Children’s Hospital increases access to new technology in physical therapy,” says Dr. Olivia Ng, clinical director of the developmental pediatrics and rehabilitation program at MCH.

Trexo Plus uses the repetitive motion of taking steps for children who need support to walk because of nervous system injuries or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy. RJCHC’s device is suitable for kids aged three to six.

Collecting patient data

Trexo Plus collects data during each use through built-in sensors, and sends this information to a tablet device monitored by specially trained RJCHC physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants.

Information collected includes how many steps the child takes, how long they’re active, and how much support they need to walk. This data is used by the RJCHC team to monitor progress, plan and adjust therapy, and set goals for improvements.

Trexo Plus is more intensive than standard physical therapy, and involves two one-hour sessions each week for 10 weeks. Children are referred for Trexo Plus sessions by their regular therapist, and about 20 patients a year are expected to use the device.

Benefits of this therapy

Trexo Plus is fairly new in Canada and benefits are still being discovered.

“Based on research we’ve seen from other centres, Trexo Plus can help kids strengthen their bodies, improve head and trunk control, and get more comfortable moving upright,” says Ng.

Other benefits can include better sleep, increased confidence, weight control, and greater endurance.

“We’re excited to be able offer this therapy service to families and to learn more about how it can help them achieve their goals.” says Angela Camozzi, one of two RJCHC physiotherapists trained to use the device in therapy. Two physiotherapy assistants also received specialized training.

The support driving innovation

The RJCHC received the Trexo Plus device thanks to funding from the HHS Foundation alongside support from OBIO’s Life Sciences Critical Technologies & Commercialization Centre of Excellence. OBIO is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization. Studies have estimated that 250,000 children in North America are unable to walk due to central nervous system injuries or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy.

“By working together, HHS, OBIO, and Trexo Robotics are combining cutting-edge Canadian innovation and expertise to deliver life-changing health-care solutions for children,” says Dr. Ted Scott, chief innovation officer for HHS.

Different ways to get moving

Trexo Plus robotic legs can be set up in a variety of ways, depending on how much support a child needs. The Trexo Plus system is mounted onto an adjustable pediatric walker that provides stability and upper-body support while the device guides the legs through stepping movements to help the child and family meet their therapy goals.

For children like Lily who already have some ability to stand or take steps, supports can be adjusted to allow for more challenge and active participation. Therapists can move between setup options over time as a child’s strength, balance and mobility improve.

Putting kids on equal footing

“This innovation is about more than technology,” says Dr. Marc Jeschke, vice president of research and innovation for HHS. “It’s about opening doors to independence, confidence, and a better life by supporting the mobility of our youngest patients. We’re pleased to be able to support our pediatric patients and their families in this way.”

Because the Trexo Plus supports the body and guides steps, children can participate in standing and walking activities along with their peers.

“Lily likes to be included instead of watching from the sidelines,” says her mom. “Being able to walk using the Trexo Plus helps level the playing field.” 

By Lise Diebel

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