March 26, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – An effective physical therapy for children with injuries or disabilities affecting their motor skills requires an innovative solution that can build muscle memory and stimulate neuroplasticity. There are currently no effective interventions known to improve motor function for children with severe disabilities. To address this challenge, Ontario-based health technology company Trexo Robotics developed Trexo Plus, a robotic walking device for injured or disabled children’s rehabilitation. Last year, Trexo joined forces with OBIO’s Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) and the Innovation and Business Intelligence team at Alberta Health Services (AHS) to assess the viability of Trexo Plus in a clinical setting.
The EAHN™ program was a catalyst behind this evaluation, with the goal of expanding the reach of health tech companies in Ontario and supporting the positioning of Canada as a leader in innovative health tech.
Final findings indicated that children with disabilities who used Trexo Plus met their rehabilitation goals. They had high performance and satisfaction scores, achieved their health-related objectives and were able to access the best available care, leading their families to express a keen interest in the technology.
“This device was created through an iterative process with therapists, other healthcare professionals and families,” said Manmeet Maggu, co-founder and CEO of Trexo Robotics. “The device has evolved, offering more features and benefits. Our mission from day one has been to reach and benefit as many children as possible.”
“This study enabled us to explore implementation of a cutting-edge intervention and provide equitable access to robotic walking for children with severe mobility impairments,” said Dr. Elizabeth Condliffe, University of Calgary and Alberta Children’s Hospital, and the evaluation’s Lead Study Investigator. “It has generated overwhelming interest in Calgary.”
“This study highlighted how the transformative potential of health technologies can improve the quality of life for children with disabilities,” said Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®. “Through the EAHN™ program, we continue to accelerate the adoption of innovative health technologies by providing Ontario start-ups access to the Canadian healthcare market.”
About OBIO®
Founded in 2009, OBIO®, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is prioritizing the evaluation of new technologies through its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™). OBIO® is engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies, positioning Canada as a leader in the international marketplace. For more information, please visit obio.ca and follow OBIO® on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
Contact:
Bibaswan Ghoshal
Senior Director, Technology Adoption
bibaswanghoshal@obio.ca
416-848-6839 x 125
About Trexo Robotics
Trexo Robotics is a leading innovator in robotic gait trainers, dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with physical challenges. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves the opportunity to walk, Trexo develops robotic gait trainers to empower children to experience the benefits of walking.
Contact:
Jennifer Horowitz
Head of Marketing
jh@trexorobotics.com
562-784-7711