There are few things in this world more difficult than being a parent who is utterly helpless to soothe their child. It can leave them feeling guilty and powerless when they cannot give them the tools they need to function and adjust. Luckily, doctors may be able to help millions of parents overcome the challenges of cerebral palsy thanks to this new breakthrough.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disease that affects over half a million children in the United States alone, and is the most common motor disability in children. It causes weakness of the arms and legs, with reduced mobility and lack of coordination as a result.
While there is no cure for this disease, many researchers have been scrambling to find ways of making life easier to live for children with the condition.
Scientists in North Carolina have now developed a robotic exoskeleton that allows patients to carry out basic tasks, and they're seeing incredible results.
These children, who have been working with the team of scientists, have had amazing success thanks to this new device.
At a young age, children with cerebral palsy are encouraged to walk as much as possible so that they can use their legs for as long as they can before the disease makes it impossible.
The exoskeleton works by supporting the legs from the back so that the patients can walk without crutches and reducing the amount their knees weaken.
A group of children have been training with the device for several months, and their progress has been unbelievable.
See how excited this young girl is that she can finally walk across the room on her own!
Or this little boy who can run to hug his parents!
This video shows how they are walking taller, further, and faster, and their outlook on life has been more and more positive as a result!
