In recent years, the robotics has emerged as a promising technology in the field of rehabilitation. This discipline combines engineering, materials science and medicine to develop systems and robotic devices that help in the rehabilitation process of people with physical and neurological disabilities. The robotics in rehabilitation It has become a rapidly growing area of research and has been shown to have a significant impact on the lives of numerous patients around the world.
Anteriorly, the rehabilitation It was based mainly on manual therapies and traditional exercises, but the introduction of the robotics has revolutionized this field. The Technological advances have allowed the design and development of robotic devices sophisticated ones that can perform specific tasks and adapt to the individual needs of each patient.
Advantages of robotics in rehabilitation
Certainly, the incorporation of the robotics across rehabilitation programs has provided several advantages for both patients and healthcare professionals. Some of these advantages include:
- Precision and control. The robotic devices They allow for precise and repeatable control of movements, making it easier to assess and monitor each patient's progress. In addition, the accuracy of the exercises performed by the robots helps prevent additional injuries and maximizes the results. therapeutic benefits.
- Personalization and adaptability. On the other hand, robotic systems can be adapted to the specific needs of each patient, allowing for a personalized rehabilitation and efficient. In this sense, therapists can adjust parameters such as resistance, speed and range of motion to adapt to the skill level and capacity of each individual.
- Motor and sensory stimulation. Indeed, robotic devices They can provide additional motor and sensory stimulation during rehabilitation sessions. Such ability can help improve coordination, balance and proprioception of patients, which is beneficial in the recovery of motor skills losses.
- Feedback and motivation. The robotic systems They are often equipped with interactive interfaces that provide real-time feedback on the patient performance. This helps patients understand their progress and motivates them to continue with the rehabilitation treatment. Precisely, this is one of the characteristics of Inrobics Rehab Clinic e Inrobics Rehab Home, The solutions developed by Inrobics which are suitable for both clinical centres and homes. The first is made up of the Robic robot, Nao model with its own software, an application to configure sessions, a system of Artificial Intelligence and a 3D sensor. The second has the same components but replaces the robot with a virtual avatar. Solutions Inrobics They are an example of the use of the robotics for rehabilitation made in Spain.
Evidence and results of robotics in rehabilitation
The application of Robotics in rehabilitation has been supported by numerous scientific studies. In fact, evidence shows that the use of robotic devices can improve motor function, muscular strength and functional independence in people with physical and neurological disabilities. Among these conditions we have: cerebrovascular accidents (strokes), spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson and cerebral palsy.
For example, you can consult the study referred to in this link on Robot-assisted rehabilitation for upper limbs in patients with subacute stroke. Similarly, it has been observed that the robotic therapy can speed up recovery, reduce the rehabilitation time and improve the quality of life of patients.
These encouraging results support the continued integration of the robotics across rehabilitation programs. Without a doubt, such practices are providing new opportunities for recovery and overcoming the physical limitations.
Examples of devices and applications of robotics in rehabilitation
Currently, the robotics in rehabilitation encompasses a wide range of devices and systems designed to assist and enhance the patient recovery processThese devices are tailored to the specific needs of each individual and focus on restoring the motor function. They also promote the independence of people undergoing treatment. Below we will briefly describe some of the types of robotic devices most common used in the rehabilitation:
Robotic exoskeletons
Specifically, these devices are mechanical structures that are placed externally on the patient's body to provide support and assistance in movements. Mainly, the robotic exoskeletons They are used in cases of spinal cord injuries y cerebrovascular accidents to help patients regain the ability to walk, as well as improve strength and coordination of the limbs.
Robotic prostheses
The robotic prosthetics are devices designed to replace a body part that has been amputated. These devices connect directly to the nervous system and use sensors and actuators to enable more natural control and functionality. It is worth noting that the Advances in robotics are driving significant achievements in the prosthesis design, improving mobility and the ability to perform everyday tasks for people with amputations.
Extremity rehabilitation systems
These devices focus on the rehabilitation of the extremities upper and lower. They can vary from industrial robots adapted with special interfaces to compact and portable devices. These systems help patients perform specific exercises that promote the recovery of strength and coordination in the affected limbs.
Brain-computer interfaces
This interesting option of robotics for rehabilitation allows direct communication between the brain and a robotic device via interfaces. Using brain signals captured by electrodes placed on the scalp or directly in the brain, patients can control robotic devices with your mind. This technology has been used in the brain injury rehabilitation and has shown promise in restoring mobility and function in patients with paralysis.
Therapist robots
As in the already described example of the platform Inrobics Rehab Clinic, robot and platform allow the movement therapy to be personalized for each patient. The humanoid interacts with the patient and encourages him to perform the exercises. In fact, the therapist The patient will not be replaced by the robot, but will instead schedule and supervise each session in person or remotely. The robot's action seeks to create a fun and motivating experience for the patient.
Virtual reality and therapeutic games
Although they are not robotic devices in themselves, virtual reality and the therapeutic games have been integrated with the robotics in rehabilitation to make it more interactive and motivating. These technologies allow patients to participate in virtual environments that imitate real-life situations, promoting the practice of functional movements and facilitating recovery.
Outstanding examples of the application of robotics in rehabilitation
- ReWalk. This robotic exoskeleton allows people with paralysis of the lower extremities walking again. It uses sensors and motors to detect changes in balance and provides the assistance needed to walk safely.
- Bebionic. This robotic hand prosthesis The advanced hand offers amputees a wide range of motion and functionality similar to a human hand. In short, built-in sensors detect the movements of the limbs. muscle movements residuals to control the different grips and movements of the prosthetic hand.
- RehaMove. This functional electrical stimulation device (FES) It is used in the rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injuries, head trauma, sclerosis y Parkinson, among others. In short, it stimulates the nerves with electrical currents using surface electrodes; this causes a muscle contraction. The purpose is to generate functional movement in the impaired limbs and train the muscles even if voluntary control has been partially or totally lost.
Inrobics is also innovating in therapeutic robotics
As you can see, these are just a few examples of how the robotics has been applied in the rehabilitationThe list continues to grow as new technologies and devices are developed.
For our part, in Inrobics We are innovating in the use of robotics for rehabilitation, through a model that integrates Artificial Intelligence y social robots to help people with functional or neurological limitations to improve their quality of life. In parallel, our app allows you to control and configure the session with the robot. It also offers a control panel with real-time information about the user development. As if that were not enough, our platform is cloud-based. This allows it to be used in rehabilitation centers or in the user's own home following a personalized treatment prescribed by their regular therapist.
