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Defying gravity: Game-changing rehab robot transforms recovery for WA kids at PCH.

Defying gravity: Game-changing rehab robot transforms recovery for WA kids at PCH.

WA kids recovering from serious illness and injury are regaining their strength and mobility again, thanks to a new robotic rehabilitation system now on offer at Perth Children's Hospital (PCH).

Harper (10), Bruce (9), Luca (4), and twins Rosa and Eve (4), were among the first to try out the ZeroG 3D this month, with each navigating complex health challenges from cerebral palsy to a rare genetic condition and post-cancer recovery.

Funded through a $1.2 million investment by Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF), the ZeroG 3D is the first of its kind in an Australian children’s hospital and forms part of the hospital’s expanding robotics program within Kids Rehab WA.

The ZeroG 3D is a dynamic body-weight support system that allows children to walk, balance and practise everyday movements while suspended in a harness attached to a ceiling-mounted robotic track.

The ZeroG’s introduction at PCH means WA kids can now access the technology as part of public hospital rehabilitation programs, which previously wasn’t possible.

PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson said the technology would transform rehabilitation for children recovering from accident, illness or disability across WA.

“We are proud to make this significant investment in remarkable state-of-the-art technology that will help children rebuild strength, confidence and independence after a life-changing illness or injury,” Mr Robinson said.

“Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, WA kids at PCH can now access world-leading robotic rehabilitation technology in the public health system for the first time.”

By partially supporting a child’s body weight, the system reduces the effects of gravity, allowing young patients to safely practise movements such as standing, walking, squatting and lunging as they rebuild strength, coordination and confidence.

Young patients, PCHF staff, and PCH clinicians gathered around the ZeroG 3D device,
celebrating the impact of innovative rehabilitation technology.

Coordinator Physiotherapist of Rehabilitation Technology at PCH, Dan Prigmore said the technology allowed children to practise movements earlier and more safely during recovery.

“Many of our patients are re–learning skills like standing, walking and balancing. The dynamic body–weight support feature of the ZeroG system moves with the child, prevents falls and allows tasks to be safely graded so they can attempt activities that would normally be too challenging in a fun and engaging way,” he said.

“Integrating this technology into our rehabilitation program is a major step forward for our therapy teams and will help us deliver intensive mobility rehabilitation in new ways for children at PCH.”

Toddlers through to adolescents can use the system, which supports rehabilitation for a wide range of conditions including cerebral palsy, cancer, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, spinal cord injuries and other neurological or orthopaedic disorders.
 
Mounted to a track spanning the hospital’s rehabilitation gym, the ZeroG 3D allows children to move freely while therapists adjust the amount of body weight supported by the robotic system. By reducing the effects of gravity, the system helps children practise movements that may otherwise be too difficult or unsafe during the early stages of recovery.
 
The ZeroG 3D was installed in December last year following a months-long project to integrate the system into the hospital’s rehabilitation gym. Seven clinicians at PCH have now been trained to use the technology and have begun working with the first cohort of young patients.
 
Robotic rehabilitation systems are increasingly used around the world to improve recovery outcomes by allowing patients to practise movements repeatedly and safely, while clinicians track progress using built-in data and outcome monitoring.
Medical Lead of Rehabilitation Technology at PCH, Dr Hedva Chiu, said robotics were playing an increasingly important role in improving rehabilitation outcomes for children.
 
“At Kids Rehab WA, our goal is to give every child the best opportunity for recovery through evidence-based, best practice care. Robotic systems like ZeroG 3D allow us to create a safe, precisely controlled environment where children can practise standing and walking intensively, something that is critical for driving neural recovery and long-term functional gains.
 
“These systems also generate valuable data that allows clinicians to track progress and outcomes, helping ensure children receive the most effective therapy possible.”
 
Kids Rehab WA at PCH has been integrating robotics into paediatric rehabilitation since 2015 and is internationally recognised for its work in the field.
 
The ZeroG system was developed in the United States by rehabilitation engineers, who began designing the device in the early 2000s to support injured military veterans returning from conflict. The equipment is now used internationally in 15 countries around the world.
 
To support more game-changing technology like the ZeroG 3D, donate today.
 
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