Saanich Clinic Eyes Robotic Device to Transform Mobility for Kids

A physiotherapy clinic in Saanich, British Columbia, is competing to secure a cutting-edge robotic device aimed at enhancing mobility for children with physical challenges. The clinic, Kids Physio Group, has been selected as a potential site for the Trexo Plus, a robotic exoskeleton developed by Ontario-based Trexo Robotics, which assists users in regaining their ability to walk through targeted physiotherapy.

During a special event on Saturday, children at the clinic had the opportunity to test the Trexo Plus. Among them was Matthew Honing, who expressed his excitement about the experience. “For the first time in a long time, I took steps that felt natural to me,” he said. His mother, Jana Honining, highlighted the device’s role in providing physical exercise, noting, “Typically, kids who use wheelchairs lack the amount of physical exercise that they need.”

The Trexo Plus, priced between $100,000 and $110,000, offers a unique solution for children with mobility impairments. It is controlled via a tablet, allowing users to perform walking motions during physiotherapy sessions. Currently, only a handful of clinics in Canada have access to this technology, including one in British Columbia, making the Saanich clinic a strong contender for the second location in the province.

Transformative Potential of Robotic Exoskeletons

The feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive. Sara Valenzuela, an account coordinator at Kids Physio Group, remarked on the transformative effects of the device. “It has been life-changing for literally all of our families in various ways, whether it’s the ability to be upright and walking or to walk with friends and family at school.”

The device’s impact extends beyond walking. Marc Roberts, who demonstrated the device, shared how it has strengthened his son’s entire body. “Now we’re able to functionally do things that he wasn’t able to do before,” he said, illustrating the practical benefits of the Trexo Plus.

As the clinic awaits a final decision, expected in early 2025, the potential for the Trexo Plus to enhance the lives of children with mobility challenges remains a priority. With its innovative approach to rehabilitation, the device offers hope for many families seeking to improve their children’s mobility and independence.

The use of robotic technology in physiotherapy represents a significant advancement in the field, offering new possibilities for effective treatment and rehabilitation. The Saanich clinic’s bid for this revolutionary device underscores the growing recognition of the importance of integrating technology into healthcare solutions.