Air Date: Thursday, June 14, 2007
Get on your feet
Austin Carr puts his best foot forward under the watchful eye of therapists at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and with some help from this high-tech machine called the Lokomat.
The 13-year-old has cerebral palsy, and the Lokomat helps him learn to walk in the most efficient way for his body.
"As the children begin to feel what it feels like, the Lokomat gives them more control and more weight bearing through their feet," Dr. Donna Nimec, a Pediatric Physiatrist at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, said. "So, they can do more of the actions by themselves."
A computer program is specific to Austin's needs. He's been using the Lokomat three times a week for six weeks, and his dad, Paul Carr, says he's already making strides.
"He was struggling to walk and get some independence, and over the period of time, he's gained a great deal of strength and confidence," Carr said. "Now, he's walking a lot more independently, and his balance is better."
And doctors expect Austin to keep improving. Spaulding is the first hospital in New England to get the Lokomat, and it isn't just helping children gain independence. It can also be used by adults.
"We can use it with people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, strokes, ALS, things like that," Dr. Kevin O'Connor, a spinal cord injury specialist at Spaulding, said.
For those who once thought walking independently was only a dream, thanks to the Lokomat, it is becoming a reality.
You can learn more about some of the other technologies Spaulding has as well as get advice at the running and walking clinic at the Health and Fitness Expo.
(Copyright 2007 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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