Robots are increasingly part of modern life and when it comes to rehabilitation they’re changing the game for children who need to learn or relearn basic physical skills after an illness, injury or due to disability.
At Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH), Kids Rehab WA has been a world leader in rehab robotics since integrating robots into clinical care in 2015.
Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF) has played a crucial role in their journey, funding cutting-edge robotics technology that is helping children recover and thrive.
Nine year old Cyrus Pointon has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation at PCH to regain his strength and mobility after suffering two strokes following a heart transplant.
On his eighth birthday, Cyrus was admitted to Bunbury Hospital after struggling with unexplained fatigue and shortness of breath.
He was urgently flown to Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH), where doctors diagnosed him with cardiomyopathy – a rare and serious disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure.
His mother Cherie Pointon had earlier noticed he was out of breath and exhausted on the short 500m walk home from school.
“He’d rest, feel a little better, then crash again; it was really out of character,” Mrs Pointon said.
While waiting for a donor heart, Cyrus suffered two strokes in quick succession.
The second caused significant damage, leaving him unable to speak or move the left side of his body.
His father Daniel Pointon said it was heartbreaking to see Cyrus in this state.
“He couldn’t talk, his hand was clenched tight, and he had to use a picture board to communicate,” said Mr Pointon.
Doctors placed Cyrus in an induced coma, and his family were told they had just two days before his life support would be switched off.
Against the odds, he pulled through, and several months later, received his new heart.
The transplant surgery lasted more than 11 hours, and while it saved his life, the strokes left Cyrus with significant weakness, especially down his left side.
A key part of his rehabilitation and recovery has been a new robotic rehabilitation device designed to support upper limb movement.
This state-of-the-art technology, funded by PCHF with the generous support of Perth Airport, gives WA children access to precise, targeted therapy.
As one of the first kids in WA to use the device, Cyrus is retraining his fine motor skills such as finger control and movement against gravity – helping him achieve milestones like feeding himself, tying his shoes, and hugging loved ones.
Senior PCH Occupational Therapist, Jenny Colegate, said the new technology helps children at an earlier stage of rehabilitation.
“This new technology is helping kids like Cyrus recover faster, regain movement earlier and improve function in a fun, engaging way.
“With earlier intervention, we can achieve better long-term outcomes.”
PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson said PCHF is committed to providing every child at PCH with access to the latest cutting-edge equipment.
“Thanks to the generosity of Perth Airport and the WA community, our state’s kids now have access to innovative, robotic rehabilitation technology right here at PCH.
“It’s about giving kids like Cyrus the best chance to recover, so they can enjoy a healthier, happier future.”
Today, Cyrus is back kicking a soccer ball, enjoys gaming sessions on the robotic device, and is building strength through gym and occupational therapy.
“He’s making incredible progress,” said Mr Pointon.
“He actually looks forward to therapy now – because it’s fun.”
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