Use of Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL®) for a postoperative patient with cerebral palsy: a case report

BMC Res Notes, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-018-3311-z · Published: March 20, 2018

Assistive Technology Neurology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) is a robot suit that helps people move their knees and hips. This report is about a 15-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who had surgery to help him move better, but it made him weaker. He used the HAL robot to help him walk. After using the HAL robot, the boy could walk faster and take bigger steps. It helped him move better and get stronger.

Study Duration

2 Months

Participants

1 patient with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy

Evidence Level

Level 4, Case Report

Key Findings

1
Walking speed, stride, and cadence were increased after HAL intervention.
2
Post HAL intervention, extension angles of the knee in stance phase and hip in the pre-swing phase were improved.
3
In the gait cycle, the proportion of terminal stance in the stance and swing phase was increased.

Research Summary

Hybrid Assistive Limb intervention for postoperative patients with cerebral palsy whose muscle strength decreases can enhance improvement in walking ability. The combination of HAL intervention and surgery with improvement of contractures of the knee and ankle can enhance improvement in walking ability for the patient with cerebral palsy. After soft tissue surgery for cerebral palsy, although flexion contractures of the bilateral knees and equinus foot improved, muscle strength of bilateral knee flexion and dorsiflexion temporarily decreased in our patient.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Rehabilitation

HAL intervention can improve walking ability in postoperative cerebral palsy patients with decreased muscle strength.

Improved Motor Function

HAL therapy can lead to improved lower limb function, standing ability, and reduced need for assistance.

Potential Treatment Option

HAL intervention may be a new treatment option in patients with cerebral palsy after soft tissue surgery.

Use of Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL®) for a postoperative patient with cerebral palsy: a case report

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Enhanced Rehabilitation

Improved Motor Function

Potential Treatment Option

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Use of Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL®) for a postoperative patient with cerebral palsy: a case report

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Enhanced Rehabilitation

Improved Motor Function

Potential Treatment Option

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Use of Hybrid Assistive Limb ­(HAL®) for a postoperative patient with cerebral palsy: a case report

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Enhanced Rehabilitation

Improved Motor Function

Potential Treatment Option

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Use of Hybrid Assistive Limb ­(HAL®) for a postoperative patient with cerebral palsy: a case report

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Enhanced Rehabilitation

Improved Motor Function

Potential Treatment Option

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Use of Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL®) for a postoperative patient with cerebral palsy: a case report

Use of Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL®) for a postoperative patient with cerebral palsy: a case report