Children with cerebral disabilities could soon benefit from a physical - therapy technique using robotic limbs for their legs . The robotic gait - training system , called Lokomat , has been available for the past two years , but mainly used by adults . A study being carried out by the University of Alberta is examining the possible benefits of the system which has been newly adapted​ for use by children . The user 's body weight is supported by the legs of the device while guiding them through repetitive motions . This reduces or removes the ability for children to hold on to something while walking – providing a big morale boost , especially for adults .
Children with cerebral palsy could soon benefit from a physical-therapy technique using robotic assistance for their legs. The robotic gait-training programme, called Lokomat, has been available for the past two years, but mainly used by adults. A study being carried out by the University of Alberta is examining the possible benefits of the system which has been newly adapted​ for use by children. The user's body weight is supported by the legs of the device while guiding them through walking motions. This reduces or removes the need for users to hold on to something while walking – providing a big morale boost, especially for children.