Title : A collaborative innovation in developing the novel Head And Trunk Control Rehabilitation (HATCoRe) device for children with cerebral palsy: Revolutionizing pediatric rehabilitation
Abstract:
Background and objectives: A delay in achieving head and trunk control can present numerous challenges in the activities of daily living for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). This frequently require extended therapy, which may become repetitive, leading to decreased engagement in the recommended exercises. A team of professional, including neurophysiologists, physiotherapist, and biomedical engineers have devised and patented the novel Head And Trunk Control Rehabilitation (HATCoRe) device. Hence, the objective of the study is to introduce the HATCoRe device and its functionalities.
Description: The HATCoRe device is an integration of hardware and software. The hardware consists of microcontroller, position sensor that can record the X, Y and Z coordinates of head position, and a power source. The HATCoRe software is installed in an android device and communicates with the hardware via Bluetooth. The device can be calibrated as per the participant’s cervical (Range of Motion) ROM such that the device will provide auditory-visual stimulus to facilitate the head movement. Similarly, auditory-visual feedback/reward is provided when the participant maintains the head in optimal position (head in the most functional position).
Result: The software application acquires and analyzes various parameters such as number of attempts to lift the head, successful attempts of head lift (head in optimal position), sustenance time of the head lifts at different cervical ROMs, number of times the participant required an auditory stimulus to attempt head lift, that helps in assessing the progression of head control of the participant.
Conclusion: The HATCoRe device was subjected to testing involving adult volunteers, typical and atypical children. Preliminary feedback suggests that the device has the potential to address the challenges of monotony, accessibility, and affordability, making it a valuable intervention in the realm of re/habilitation.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- The audience will gain insights into a novel intervention approach designed to engage and motivate children with CP during the rehabilitation session.
- Moreover, the HATCoRe device can also serve as an assessment tool, offering an objective means to evaluate the prognosis of head and trunk control in children with CP.
- The ideation presented provide a foundation for potential exploration in future research strategies.
