Using a robotic exoskeleton at home: An activity tolerance case study of a child with spinal muscular atrophy

Abstract

Purpose: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type II is a neurodegenerative disease that leads to progressive muscle weakness. It prevents children from walking and affects their respiratory function and their activity tolerance, among other health problems. We aimed to assess the activity tolerance showed by a child with SMA using a pediatric gait exoskeleton at home when walking and performing activities.

Design and methods: This study presents the case of a 6-year-old boy with SMA Type II and respiratory failure who used a pediatric gait exoskeleton at home for a period of two months. A nursing assessment was done before and during the use of the device to evaluate the child's activity tolerance during the sessions. Nursing interviews, performance, vital signs, fatigue, field notes, and functional scales were analyzed.

Results: The nursing assessment showed a good activity tolerance of the child. Performance using the device improved over time; vital signs did not vary significantly during the sessions; fatigue perception decreased over time; and the child reached a higher score on some functional outcomes.

Conclusions: A first step has been taken to evaluate the impact of exoskeleton technology in children with SMA Type II from the nursing point of view, exposing the potential of this technology for the care of children with neuromuscular diseases, and the need for more research on the topic.

Practice implications: The information in this study will be useful to nurses to know the effects of gait exoskeletons in pediatric care of children with neuromuscular diseases like SMA.

Keywords: Activity tolerance; Robotic exoskeleton; Self-care; Spinal muscular atrophy.