Speakers - 2026

Title: Innovative method for the rehabilitation of motor disorders in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common causes of childhood disability, accompanied by motor and neurological impairments of varying severity. Approximately 50% of patients with CP experience motor dysfunction. According to the literature, the incidence of CP ranges from 2 to 3 cases per 1,000 live births. Most patients present with spastic forms of the disease, leading to reduced range of motion, impaired coordination, and difficulties in social adaptation. One of the innovative rehabilitation tools is the hardware–software complex (HSC) KRISAF, which reproduces a physiological gait pattern with dosed body-weight support.

Aim of the Study: To evaluate the role and effectiveness of the KRISAF complex in correcting motor disorders in children with cerebral palsy.

Materials and Methods: The effectiveness of rehabilitation was assessed in 23 patients aged 5 to 14 years with spastic forms of cerebral palsy who received inpatient treatment at the Republican Children’s Psychoneurological Hospital named after U. Kurbanov during the period from August to November 2024. Distribution of patients by clinical forms of CP was as follows: 14 patients (60%) with spastic diplegia and 9 patients (40%) with dyskinetic form of CP. By sex, the group included 11 girls (48%) and 12 boys (52%).

Results and Discussion: Upon completion of the rehabilitation course, the following improvements were observed: 

- a reduction in the severity of spasticity in the lower limbs in 9 patients (40%) with spastic diplegia and in 3 children with the dyskinetic form of CP;

- a decrease in the activity of pathological tonic reflexes in 8 patients (34%) with spastic diplegia;

- improved postural stability in the vertical position in 6 patients (26%) with spastic diplegia and in 3 patients (13%) with the dyskinetic form of CP;

- an increase in the range of active movements and improved coordination in 13 patients (56%) with spastic diplegia and in 5 patients with the dyskinetic form of CP.

In addition, the use of interactive game modules of the device contributed to the creation of a positive emotional background, enhancing the therapeutic effect. The obtained results are consistent with national and international studies confirming the effectiveness of robotic therapy in the comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with cerebral palsy.

Conclusions: The use of the KRISAF hardware–software complex in children with cerebral palsy increases the effectiveness of rehabilitation, promotes the development of weight-bearing and walking skills, improves movement coordination, and enhances patients’ quality of life. Robotic technologies should be considered a promising direction in the treatment of neurological disorders in children.