Inside Pediatrics Summer 2019

following a car accident in 2017. Within months after surgery to put a rod in her neck and a plate on the base of her skull, she regained movement and sensation in parts of her hands, arms, legs and toes. She takes advantage of therapies like the RT300 electrical stimulation bike – a flexible device that enables leg and arm cycling from a wheelchair without the need to transfer. The biking system uses functional electrical stimulation to promote muscle activation. Sensors provide constant feedback to a computer that controls the sequence of muscle contractions, as well as resistance to pedaling. Like most patients, Carter uses various devices as part of her therapy plan, including the exoskeleton, Tyromotion and the Vector. While Carter isn’t walking independently yet, she has progressed to standing on her feet. “Her goal is to be able to feed herself by Thanksgiving, and with the equipment they are using on her, she’s already working on it, and it’s a good possibility she will be able to meet that goal,” said Carter’s mother, Heather Carter. “Children’s and RAMP have really helped bring her a long way.” To read more about Raylan, Alex and Janey, visit childrensal.org/child-of-childrens .

Raylan Winston, 19, of Sheffield, walks in the Ekso Robotic Exoskeleton in Children’s of Alabama’s physical and occupational therapy gym. “It gives me a lot of hope and a lot more motivation,” Winston says of the technology.

RAMP TECHNOLOGY Bioness Vector: The Vector System provides body weight support for a child as they practice kneeling, crawling, standing, walking, stair climbing, etc. It allows for increased dynamic activities while making the child feel supported and secure, and gives the therapist “extra hands.” Ekso Robotic Exoskeleton: This exoskeletal-assisted walking device uses electronic motors and sensors to help a child stand and walk. The equipment helps establish a more normalized gait pattern and upright posture. It can be used with patients ranging in height from 5 feet to 6 feet, 2 inches tall. Motomed Muvi: This arm and leg biking system allows for passive, active and resistive cycling activity to help restore movement and function in the arms and legs. RT300: This arm and leg biking system uses functional electrical stimulation to promote muscle activation in targeted muscle groups while providing an opportunity for an aerobic and resistive exercise session.

RT XCite: This functional electrical stimulation device targets multiple groups while children engage in functional therapeutic activities such as picking up, throwing or kicking a ball.

Tyromotion AMADEO: This robotic device is used to help improve hand and finger movement, strength and ability to grasp and/ or pinch.

Tyromotion DIEGO: This system is used for unilateral or bilateral upper extremity activities to promote arm function.

Tyrostation (PABLO and TYMO): This equipment allows children to work on their grip strength and forearm/wrist movement while exercising multiple joints. This and other pieces are used in varied patient postures and positions.

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