Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Kaat Desloovere is a leading researcher in pediatric rehabilitation, specializing in the biomechanics and neurological underpinnings of movement disorders in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Her work bridges clinical gait analysis with innovative neurorehabilitation technologies. A major contribution is her systematic review on robotic exoskeletons for improving gait in children with CP (2022, 33 citations), which critically evaluated the effectiveness of these wearable assistive devices in providing powered support and stability to lower-extremity joints. This work has shaped clinical guidelines for integrating robotics into pediatric therapy. Desloovere has also advanced understanding of the neural basis of motor deficits through fMRI studies, such as her 2013 investigation (27 citations) showing that somatosensory discrimination activates distinct brain areas in children with unilateral CP compared to typically developing peers. Her research has been instrumental in demonstrating how sensory processing differences affect motor learning and rehabilitation outcomes. With a career focused on translating biomechanical and neuroscientific insights into evidence-based interventions, Desloovere’s work has directly influenced the design of personalized treatment protocols for children with CP, making her a pivotal figure in the field of pediatric neurorehabilitation.