Three-year-old Leo beams with joy as he embarks on his maiden voyage in a green contraption, his tiny hands clutching the handlebars while his sneakers propel him forward using a robotic walker. Watching with a beaming smile is his mother, Inna Begelfer.
Upon Leo’s diagnosis with a rare genetic disorder at six months old, a doctor had informed the family that Leo would never walk, recounted Begelfer. However, defying the odds, Leo took his first steps with the assistance of the Trexo mobility device, the first of its kind in the province, acquired by the Regina-based non-profit First Steps Wellness Centre through an anonymous donation.
Designed to aid children with mobility challenges stemming from spinal cord injuries or neurological conditions like cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, the Trexo device boasts a wide range of applications, according to Andy Schmidt, the community director at First Steps Wellness Centre. This innovative solution can assist children in walking for the first time or help refine their existing walking patterns by utilizing several motors at the hips and knees of each leg to monitor and facilitate movement.
Schmidt emphasized the collaborative nature of the device, noting that staff members can adjust the walker’s speed and resistance through a connected tablet. The Trexo walker represents a significant advancement in robotics-assisted physical therapy, with the ability to move backward, providing a more grounded walking experience that is beneficial for bone health and sensory feedback.
The Trexo device caters to children aged two to six, with potential usability for children up to eight depending on various factors. Families interested in exploring this technology for their children can contact the center for a complimentary assessment to determine eligibility for the walker.
Schmidt highlighted the non-profit nature of the organization, emphasizing their commitment to serving the community and accommodating all who wish to utilize the device. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the center was able to acquire the clinical-grade Trexo walker, valued at $100,000, enabling children like Leo to access this life-changing technology.
Leo’s journey defying the initial prognosis of his condition is a testament to the transformative impact of the Trexo walker. Despite being non-verbal, Leo has made remarkable progress, including eating without a feeding tube and taking his first independent steps earlier this year. With the support of the Trexo walker, Leo’s mother is optimistic about his continued progress and believes he will achieve further milestones as he becomes more accustomed to using the device.