Ada, at this time a 4-year-old girl, was born 3 months premature. She has cerebral palsy (CP) with a functional level of GMFCS IV, meaning she requires physical assistance or powered mobility in most settings.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders and the most common physical disability in early childhood. Broadly speaking, CP involves a disorder of movement, posture, and motor function. On average, every two to three newborn out of a thousand are diagnosed with CP.
For her parents, it has been important to stimulate her in an active standing position with weight bearing and in a walking pattern. The aim has been to build up Ada’s body strength and stability, something that will give her the opportunity for increased activity and social interaction.
From a few minutes to half an hour
From the age of 18 months, Ada was given a standing frame which she used for about a year, before changing to Innowalk at the age of 2 and a half years. Part of this change involved a four week trial period, where Ada was to test and measure various functions and compare it to her situation before she started using the aid.
Her ability to transition from a standing to a sitting position was measured during the trial, showing that her ability to sit unaided increased from a few minutes to half an hour. Measurements were also made of clinically important changes in joint mobility, which may be significant in the long term for Ada’s ability to walk in other walking aids.
Eighteen months after her introduction to the Innowalk, Ada is training in the device for 30 minutes twice a day, every day. Because she’s able to stand in the Innowalk, she’s able to join other children in activities such as reading, drawing, and group work.
The staff at the day nursery are excellent at combining her training in the Innowalk with activities with other children. Ada loves standing in the Innowalk.
– Ada's mum
Thanks to the Innowalk, Ada has gained more strength and stability in her body, and the increased activity stimulates and improves her gastrointestinal function, which is now better than before. In addition, Ada has also experienced:
- Better joint mobility in ankles and knee tendons
- Improvements in gross motor skills
Do you work with or have a child that might benefit from using a movement device? Click on the button below to get in touch – we’ll answer any questions you might have!
Read more:
- [Video] See Ada at the age of 7 and how she has evolved - she now goes in her NF-Walker!
- Are there any proven clinical effects of assisted walking-movement? Summary of a research article!
Do you want to know more about CP?
Read our resource page with answers to most of your questions.
