A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes.
A restriction in the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain can result in various complications – this is a ‘stroke’. Quick, sudden, and severe brain attacks can affect anyone at, anytime
Stroke is among the leading causes of acquired disability around the world. The medical field has seen considerable changes in the last few years, but, with the numerous breakthroughs in technology, healthcare has reached new heights.
Technology Kick-Starts Stroke Recovery
Early, coordinated, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation plays a major part in motor recovery after stroke. Various technology-based stroke rehabilitation interventions have been developed which show promising results in improving stroke patient from functional immobility and independence.
The use of technology promotes task-specific training, active engagement of patients, and integration of constructive and accurately measuring functional improvement.
Intelligent, motor-driven devices for rehabilitation, or rehabilitation robotics, represent an exciting frontier with considerable potential to address the concerns.
Conventional stroke rehabilitation primarily includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. However, with these conventional methods, many stroke survivors still have a residual functional disability which impairs their ability to perform activities of daily living. This could be attributed to the insufficient therapy dose, low engagement and motivation of the patient, and lack of objective feedback to achieve significant improvements in function.
Rehabilitation robots in physical therapy ensure that exercises are performed properly. They often help to support the patient’s body weight so that patients can participate for longer periods before tiring. They measure improvements and provide objective reporting and assessment.
The treatment provides advanced stroke rehabilitation technologies for the well-being of patients around the world. The technology accelerates motor learning of the brain which eventually leads to the neuroplasticity of the brain functions.
Stroke Rehabilitation is a goal-oriented process that helps people with disabilities reach their full potential in emotional, physical, cognitive, social, and functional skills. Rehabilitation physicians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, rehabilitation nurses, and medical social workers are among the healthcare professionals involved. Generally, the rehabilitation process may take place in various settings, including inpatient, outpatient, group, and home-based.
The neurorehabilitation treatment is essential for stroke survivors to achieve the highest level of functional independence, reducing or preventing the impairments.
In addition, the technological intervention provides access to rehabilitation services for those facing physical, financial, and attitudinal barriers…
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Our everyday voluntary movements are made possible by connections between the brain and the body’s nerves, but after this connection is severed due to stroke, the affected nerves and muscles can no longer send or receive the sensory stimulation necessary to move. This is where neuromuscular electrical stimulation can be helpful. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation applies small electrical pulses to paralyzed muscles to restore or improve their function.
Innovative Stroke Recovery Devices
Not all stroke recovery devices need electrical stimulation to aid in task-oriented training. Neurorehabilitation researchers have also incorporated mechanical features into lightweight gloves that simply ease the burden on the hands and fingers. For example – an innovative tension system that connects and controls the fingers, thumb, wrist, and forearm.
Robotics
Among the newest therapeutic tools used for stroke patients, those most commercially available are robotics and robotic exoskeletons, which attach directly to the affected part of the body to facilitate or enable movement. Therapeutic robotic devices include leg and arm supports that lift and support the limbs.
An important part of robotic technology research is involved with ‘lower extremity rehabilitation. The integration of technology into conventional therapies has shown a positive outcome and significant improvement during stroke recovery.
Body Support Systems
Robots aren’t the only options for patients who need extra support for weak or paralyzed limbs. Support systems designed for the arms, legs, and overall body, help support and facilitate movement to make task-oriented exercises possible. Motion that this is a much more affordable option as well.
Video Games for Stroke Survivors
One of the most innovative and exciting examples of stroke rehabilitation technology is in the video game space. Traditional low-tech stroke therapy options can be difficult and repetitive, making it less likely that patients follow through at home. Doctors are incorporating video games to engage stroke patients in an at-home healing regimen, which is proving beneficial.
Regaining movement after stroke is highly dependent on the speed with which one receives treatment. When a stroke occurs, every second without proper diagnosis and treatment may cause more oxygen loss and damage to your brain cells.
Therefore, after a stroke, every moment of rehabilitation is critical!
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