Childrens RGO's

• By angelbrd67
• Posted July 14, 2009 at 8:52 pm
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From what I have read RGO's maybe it has to do with trunk control?..

RGO's require a certain amount of balance and upper body strength to be safe and effective....

http://www.idsltd.ie/orth_Reciprocating%20Gait.htm

I have ran into the same issues with Matt and not understanding why they won't perscribe things. We had to have shrinners go above our therapists heads to get his leg braces perscribed as his therapist said oh it will take at least a year or two before he will be ready for those.. I just couldn't wait that long nor could Matt.

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• By nicksproudmomma
• Posted July 14, 2009 at 9:35 pm
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thank you angelbrd67-
we actually go to the shriners in mpls mn at least 2x per week for therapy, we love them. we go to the shriners in philly a year or 2 per year.... i am going to push a little more, i dont think there would be a problem with trying them, if they didnt work, well - okay, but at least i would know....
will keep ya posted.
thanks tanya

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• By angelbrd67
• Posted July 14, 2009 at 9:58 pm
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I hope you can get them, trying them would be fantastic! Keep me posted


Michelle

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• By Patricia7
• Posted July 15, 2009 at 2:22 pm
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I think the RGO's are a great way to maintain range of motion, a good way to have a standing exercise and can really utilize a lot of physical energy... The negatives are very few people who start out using them will continue to do so. The energy expenditure is still enormous and the strain on the hands and arms are great. He seems to have a variety to get upright, including the weightbearing supportive training. That frees up the hands and arms.. which really weren't meant to take on the task of walking and supporting the whole body.. The fact that he is only four also makes the use of RGO's difficult, because the body is growing so fast that the leg braces cannot be readjusted easily and a new one would need to be made quickly to accomodate the changes. The cost is also great and for something that can only be used for a year before needing to be made over again may be prohibitive.

I am hoping that the future of the technology such as Rewalk will be available to make walking a much more functional skill for those with paralysis. The exoskeleton idea is interesting and is suppose to be in trial in the US as we speak. I As a parent I am keeping my eye out for anything that will help my child.

What I have learned from these posts is that life is too short, the hands are very precious and must be carefully protected, pressure sores must be avoided at all costs....

I wish your son great progress on whatever he may attempt... Sincerely, another mom

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• By tiffanyseal
• Posted July 16, 2009 at 4:29 pm
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Hi girl! Long time since we talked. Reece used RGO's and they were GREAT!! They do have alot to do with range of motion and they strengthen the truck. The idea { as I'm sure you know } is that " the stronger your upper body is, the stronger you lower body will become". Plus, Nick will be FORCED to put weigh on his legs while in them which will strengthen his legs. I think Nick would benefit from these.

If your PT won't perscribe them ask your regular doctor to do so and take that to whoever makes your braces. I love our PT too but don't think that I haven't went over her head before....cause I have.

Also, ask about HKAFO's. These are what we are using now. They are kinda like the RGO's but you need to have LOTS of truck control and hip flexibility to use them. They are kinda like the " step down " braces from the RGO's. Plus, HKAFO's are alot lighter in weight than the RGO's. RGO's are made with heavier material but they have to be to hold the child upright.

Best of luck. Email and let me know how he's doing.
Tiff

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