Obsolesce

Cerebral palsy patient have difficulty with the way they walk, play and perform manual tasks because of the limited use of their arms caused by discorrrdination of their neural motor control and stiffness of their joints from spasticity. NJIT researchers have been working with a robotic arm to help stroke patients overcome spasticity and relearn movements to allow independent living, and the researchers believe the robot can be adapted so children with Cerebral palsy patients can benefit from the technology. A cerebral palsy patient will be able to hold onto the robot’s arm, which is programmed to perform intense, repetitive arm and finger motions.  The children can do the exercises while watching virtual reality games on a computer that guide their motions and make the therapy more fun.  A computerized cable hand will also be able  to help the children move their paralyzed fingers.  By repeating the motions and exercises the children’s brains can eventually be retrained, improving the patient’s manual coordination.