Safety of robotic-assisted treadmill therapy in children and adolescents with gait impairment: A bi-centre survey

Objective: The aim of the present study was to report on adverse events encountered with robotic-assisted treadmill therapy in children and adolescents with gait disorders. Methods: Eighty-nine patients who underwent a trial of robotic assisted treadmill therapy in the two participating centres were analysed. Demographic data and safety data of the patients were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: In 38 (42.7%) out of 89 patients, adverse events were documented. Most commonly, mild skin erythema at the sites of the cuffs of the device and muscle pain were encountered. In five patients (5.6%), open skin lesions (n = 2), joint pain (n = 2) or tendinopathy (n = 1) limited the continuation of the therapy with the Lokomat. No severe side-effects emerged. Conclusions: Robotic assisted treadmill therapy is a safe method to enable longer periods of gait therapy in children and adolescents with gait disorders.