Studies on the development of an orthosis to overcome neuro muscular disorder in children affected by cerebral palsy

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP), also known as Little s disorder, is a disorder of posture and movement caused by abnormal motor function and nonprogressive defects of brain that is acquired before birth or early age. Among 1000 live births, 1.5 2.5 children are affected by this disorder. Due to the increasing prevalence of this disorder there is huge demand in the improvement of rehabilitation methodology. Pathology of Cerebral Palsy newlineresults in the abnormalities of the muscle tone (spasticity) and joint movement. Even though CP itself is non-progressive, the disorders of the movement tend to progress with age due to high muscle tone. Muscle tone is defined as response of the muscle for passive stretching. CP is commonly characterized in most cases by spastic bending of one or more limbs due to muscle tone variation resulting in changes of gait pattern. To overcome the problem physiotherapy, drug therapy and Surgical procedures are used to reduce the spasticity of muscles in children with CP. In all the above methods, orthotic devices have been used as follow-up or supportive treatment. The aim of this doctoral work is to design and develop specific Motorized microprocessor controlled ambulatory/training orthotic device for gait assistance for children affected by CP. newline newline