A special treadmill is being used in the rehabilitation of patients with traumatic brain injuries.
Amy Newmeyer, who directs the Cerebral Palsy Program, Linda Lowes, clinical therapies research coordinator, and their colleagues at Nationwide Children's Hospital, are using the treadmill to improve the muscle strength and endurance of patients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy.
The treadmill system uses a harness, which bears some of the patient's weight.
"This therapy allows them to practice walking and build up the strength necessary for it," said Dr Newmeyer.
The more the patient uses the system the more their muscles are strengthened, meaning they are able to bear a greater amount of their own weight.
In eight-week trials at the hospital, some kids were able to walk more independently and most were stronger and had increased endurance.
Meanwhile, a recent study published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that traumatic brain injury patients who have regained the ability to walk at a normal speed do not necessarily have all of their locomotor functions.
News brought to you by Serious Law specialists in traumatic brain injury