You may recall the paraplegic man wearing an exoskeleton kicking a soccer ball to begin the 2014. For some time now, exoskeletons have been researched to aid adults with spinal cord injuries or other paralysis walk again.

A recent study looked at exoskeletons for children, specifically those born with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy, or CP, is a neurologic disorder caused by a brain injury that occurs while the child’s brain is being developed. It often refers to the loss of impairment of motor function which accompanies such a brain injury.

Many children with CP walk with a crouch gait. Over time, it gets more difficult to walk, and half of all people with CP end up wheelchair bound by the time they are adults.

The study hoped to see whether the use of an exoskeleton may improve a child’s crouch gait. The results were mildly encouraging, as 6 of the 7 participants saw improvements in their gait. The hope is that, by using the exoskeletons, including outside the lab, gaits will improve and allow children increased mobility as they age.

For a more in depth look at this new research, including a video showing the improved gait of one participant using an exoskeleton, read this:

[Robotic exoskeletons show promise as tool to help kids with cerebral palsy walk easier](https://www.statnews.com/2017/08/23/cerebral-palsy-exoskeletons/?utm_source=STAT+Newsletters&utm_campaign=54fd785928-Daily_Recap&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8cab1d7961-54fd785928-149951437)