United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central Arizona has invested nearly $300,000 in innovative technology that helps children with disabilities walk. Just installed at his UCP Roller Dozer Center in North Phoenix, the ZeroG® gait and balance training system is the only program for children in the southwestern United States. The system is designed to provide rehabilitation opportunities for people with disabilities, especially children with cerebral palsy and other neuromotor disorders.
Cerebral palsy is the most common movement disorder in childhood. Each year, 1 in 345 of her children are born with the disorder. Research shows that 41% of children with cerebral palsy have limited ability to crawl, walk, run and play. In addition, more than 30% of them require the use of special devices such as walkers or wheelchairs to improve their mobility.
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“ZeroG® technology has the potential to change lives for children with cerebral palsy,” said Valerie Pieraccini, director of therapeutic programs and early learning centers at UCP in central Arizona.. “This device provides weight support to help children with cerebral palsy learn new motor skills such as crawling, walking, jumping and sitting through repeated practice.”
A recent study found that children who received robotic gait training in conjunction with conventional physical therapy were more likely to gain independent motor skills than children who received conventional therapy alone.
“To understand the importance of mobility in terms of community participation for children with cerebral palsy, visit a playground full of children and watch them climb, jump and chase. UCP in Central Arizona wants to make sure all children, including children with cerebral palsy, have these opportunities,” Pieraccini added.
How technology can help children with disabilities walk
ZeroG® uses a robotic weight support system mounted on an overhead track to allow users to safely and independently engage in rehabilitation activities. The ZeroG® Gait and Balance Training System protects patients from falls while providing dynamic weight support as they practice walking, balance tasks, sit-to-stand postures, and even stair walking.
“This cutting-edge technology will help fulfill UCP’s mission to bring cutting-edge, breakthrough treatments to the children we serve,” said Pieraccini. “Innovative Crawl-His harness allows children as young as 18 months to learn to crawl, harnessing the open window of neuroplasticity to maximize neurological changes and improve motor performance outcomes.” I can.”
Older children will benefit from a larger harness to test previously impossible skills, giving them an opportunity for independence they may not have experienced before.
“We want our children to live life without limits, and ZeroG® technology helps make that possible,” said Pieraccini. “Thanks to this investment, families in Arizona no longer have to travel out of state to receive life-changing assistance. It opens the door to the possibility of independent mobility for children living with
ZeroG® was designed to assist therapists in treating patients with a wide range of diagnoses, including: Cerebral palsy, genetic disorders, traumatic brain injuries, orthopedic disorders, and childhood diseases that adversely affect mobility and ultimately a child’s ability to play and explore the world.
This purchase was made possible thanks to generous donations from the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, the Arizona Visitor Board, and the Thunderbird Charity.
Phoenix’s oldest healthcare nonprofit, United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona has been serving families with disabilities throughout the Valley for 70 years. Champion With the support of his partner, Circle K, her UCP in Central Arizona works to help people with disabilities by providing educational growth as well as physical and developmental support for infants, children and adults. We provide comprehensive services to individuals and their families. Learn more about his UCP in Central Arizona, the clients he serves, and the programs offered at https://ucpofcentralaz.org/.