Movement: Making a Difference

A robotic aid could soon support the treatment of movement disorders in infants earlier than so far possible, thus boosting therapeutic success. Putting one foot in front of another. Whereas most small children between 12 and 16 months of age can "get going" without any external help, many children with neurological deficits only learn to walk considerably later or not at all. In Austria one in 500 infants are affected. As with most illnesses, the earlier therapy can be commenced, the more successful treatment is. For children with neurological movement disorders this means that not only are their motor abilities sustainably improved, but their quality of life is also raised and future treatment measures and the number of operations can be reduced. Assistive robotic device lends a hand.