New Technologies in Pediatric Rehabilitation

In recent years, a growing interest in the development of robot- and computer-based rehabilitation devices has been observed, not only for adults but also for children. These new and innovative technologies allow mapping the principles of sensory-motor learning. The automatization allows an increase of repetitions and dosage of rehabilitation measures. The devices also provide the possibility of augmentable feedback, which enhance patient’s motivation. So far, for adult stroke-patients literature shows good evidence for efficacy of these new therapies, in children however the evidence is not yet clear. Therefore an international cooperation of Advanced Rehabilitation Technology Integrated Centers (ARTIC) aims to increase the numbers of treated cases to investigate the outcome data of these new rehabilitation technologies including patients with traumatic brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury. Further development of rehab technology should focus on improvement of therapy functions, which are relevant toward the activities of daily living. The spreading and the clinical implementation of new robot devices have to jointly go with reflections about the ethics and education of staff.