A Carmarthenshire physiotherapy firm is trialling an at-home paediatric robotic exoskeleton.
Equinox Physiotherapy's paediatric clients will have the opportunity to incorporate the robotic exoskeleton from Trexo Robotics into an intensive programme of physiotherapy.
By enabling hundreds or even thousands of repetitive, supported steps in a single session, the device complements rehabilitation by helping children practise walking patterns that may otherwise be difficult or impossible to achieve through conventional therapy alone.
Parents and therapists have shared that over time, this intensive practice can support strength, endurance, postural control and participation in everyday activities, all whilst reducing the physical handling demands placed on therapists.
As Trexo robotic exoskeleton gives non-ambulatory children the chance to experience walking, for many families, it will be the first time they will see their child take a step.
Sian Channon, mother of Equinox Physiotherapy client Gethin Channon, said:
“We were always determined that Gethin would outdo the low expectations set by doctors at his birth. But not as determined as Gethin. He instinctively wants to and knows how to walk and the Trexo will support him to coordinate and control those movements. Our little boy has mountains to climb with every step he takes but this will assist his journey and help him chase down his sister. As he has always desperately wanted to.
“The first step will be racing his friends at summer camp in a way that would not have been possible before equinox and Trexo partnered in south Wales to let our children be just that, children.”
The exoskeleton was engineered in 2011, after Trexo co-founder Manmeet Maggu learned his nephew, who had cerebral palsy, would never be able to walk. The diagnosis inspired Manmeet and his co-founder Rahul Udasi to design a motorised, wearable exoskeleton which could support children with mobility impairments, adjustable to each child's height, needs and abilities. The Trexo robotic exoskeleton attaches to a supportive, wheeled gait trainer with built-in motors at the hips and knees, supporting children to take their first steps.
With presence across the USA, Canada, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, Trexo Robotics' clinical sessions at Cross Hands-based Equinox Physiotherapy represents the company's first move into the UK market.
Bethan Drinkall, Director at Equinox Physiotherapy, said:
“At Equinox, we're committed to providing children and families with access to the very best in evidence-informed rehabilitation.
“Introducing Trexo to the UK is an exciting step forward, giving children the opportunity to experience repetitive, over-ground walking in a way that complements our intensive therapy programmes.
“For children who are unable to walk independently, opportunities for repetitive, weight-bearing movement can often be limited. Supported overground walking is brilliant for paediatric rehabilitation, as it encourages active participation in therapy while promoting mobility, endurance and engagement. Robotic gait training technologies such as Trexo are designed to complement traditional physiotherapy by increasing the amount of meaningful walking practice children can achieve.
“We're proud to partner with Trexo to bring this innovative technology to the UK and look forward to helping more families explore what's possible through early intervention, clinical expertise, and cutting-edge rehabilitation.”
