El acquired brain injury (ABI) is a term that encompasses a series of brain injuries that usually manifest themselves in an acute or unexpected manner. These injuries can cause a change in the independence, health and autonomy of the person who suffers them, significantly affecting their quality of life. Among the most common causes of DCA are: ictus, both ischemic and hemorrhagic, and the traumatic brain injury (TBI), although there are other causes that can also trigger this type of injuries. In this context, the neurorehabilitation emerges as a fundamental tool and the neuroplasticity plays an essential role in the recovery process.
The importance of early neurorehabilitation
When it comes to acquired brain injury, time is a critical factor. Patients who start the treatment rehabilitation process during the first week after suffering a stroke, for example, tend to experience a lower degree of disability and a higher quality of life in the long term. In essence, the neurorehabilitation seeks three main objectives: maintaining existing skills, recovering lost skills and learning new skills. scientific evidence supports the idea that regeneration, recovery of lost function and motor learning after brain injuries are largely due to the phenomenon of neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity, a capacity for reorganization
In simple terms, the neuroplasticity It is the capacity of neuronal tissue to reorganize, assimilate and modify the biological, biochemical and physiological mechanisms involved in the communication between nerve cells. This process is present throughout life, but there are key moments in which it manifests itself more intensely. Particularly, during the first year of life, puberty, gestation and, importantly, immediately after a pregnancy. central nervous system (CNS) injury.
La neuroplasticity It is the mechanism that allows neurons to regenerate both anatomically and functionally and form new synaptic connections. In short, it represents the brain's ability to recover and restructure. At the same time, this provides the basis on which the activity of neurorehabilitation after a stroke or other brain injury.
Types of neuroplasticity
There are three basic types of Neuronal plasticity, which are closely related to each other. Each of them contributes to different aspects of brain reorganization:
- Structural neuroplasticity: This form of plasticity refers to the ability of the nervous system to reorganize neuronal and synaptic connections. Experiences and learning can change these connections, which in turn influences overall brain activity and response patterns. stimuli in neural circuitsExamples of structural neuroplasticity include neurogenesis, which is the formation of new neurons, and cell death.
- Functional neuroplasticity: Functional neuroplasticity occurs when the functions of a damaged brain region are taken over by another region. This occurs after a injury to the nervous system, where functions previously performed by a damaged region are taken over by intact brain regions.
- Molecular neuroplasticity: This type of plasticity operates at a biochemical level and refers to the ability of chemical molecules to change involved in synapses, with the purpose of remodeling these connections. Molecular neuroplasticity can occur in the short or long term and is characterized by the strengthening or weakening of synaptic connections according to their use and relevance.
How to enhance neuronal plasticity after a brain injury?
In fact, it is relatively easy to train these neuroplastic processes in children and at younger ages. However, challenges arise when it comes to adults, especially after suffer brain damage. Attention and motivation are key elements to increase the neuroplasticity and improve learning during rehabilitation. In addition, physical exercise and performing repetitive tasks have also been shown to be effective in increasing Neuronal plasticity.
It is essential to take these aspects into account both in the professional neurorehabilitation treatment and in the patient's daily life. If they are not adequately controlled, the mechanisms of neuroplasticity can become counterproductive to recovery. Therefore, the active collaboration of family members and cohabitants in the rehabilitation process is essential.
On the other hand, technology also plays a critical role in empowering the neuroplasticity. As an example, the robotic systems allow for continuous repetitive movements that improve patients' strength, endurance and balance, increasing their motivation and hope for recovery. Integrating technology into a comprehensive rehabilitation program can increase the intensity and frequency of therapy. In parallel, this favors the neuroplasticity and ultimately improves the quality of life for those who have experienced acquired brain injury.
Robotics and neuroplasticity, a promising link
The robotic rehabilitation systems have a history dating back to the 1980s when they were developed for research purposes. As technology advanced, these systems evolved and became clinical tools that transformed rehabilitation of various functions. These included: walking, arm and hand recovery, early standing, and balance rehabilitation. Today, the robotics plays an integral role in the evaluation of the motor skills of patients, providing intensive therapies with a level of repetition and difficulty adapted to individual needs, and offering assistance or resistance during movements.
In particular, the assisted walking rehabilitation Robotics has proven to be highly effective in improving independence, gait quality, speed, strength and quality of life in people who have suffered a stroke. cerebrovascular accidentA meta-analysis conducted in 2017 revealed that people who perform electromechanically assisted gait training along with conventional physiotherapy are 48% more likely to regain the ability to walk independently.
Social Robotics and AI, a revolution in neurorehabilitation
An innovative approach in the field of neurorehabilitation is the use of tools based on AI and social robotics. Proof of this is the platform Inrobics Rehab developed in Spain. This resource is demonstrating remarkable success in the rehabilitation of patients with DCA, providing personalized and motivating sessions that address limitations in motor, cognitive and social abilities resulting from brain damage.
Inrobics Rehab It is supported by an AI architecture complemented by a social robot and a sensor that monitors the patient's movements. This allows therapists to design Physical and cognitive rehabilitation sessions that adapt to the needs and progress of each patient. The platform has been tested in a pediatric population with neuromotor problems, obtaining encouraging results.
The 6 blocks of activities of Inrobics Rehab
Inrobics Rehab It offers six blocks of activities that allow you to train motor and cognitive skills, also promoting neuroplasticity:
- EVAL: In this activity, the patient performs different movements proposed by the Robic robot to evaluate the range of motion of the joints.
- WARM UP: Robic proposes sequences of movements that the patient can perform simultaneously as a warm-up prior to the session.
- DYNAMIC: This block focuses on sequences of movements designed to train strength and endurance through repetitions.
- Avd (Activities of Daily Living): Robic acts out everyday activities such as feeding, grooming, and shopping, guiding the patient to do them alongside him, offering verbal guidance.
- SYMBOLIC: In this activity, a series of simple movements are presented which Robic then names, challenging the patient's attention and memory.
- DANCE: A choreography is taught with a song, progressively adding steps until the patient can perform the complete choreography.
Results of studies at the National Hospital for Paraplegics in Toledo and at Ceadac
Inrobics Rehab was subjected to a pilot study at the National Hospital for Paraplegics in Toledo, where they worked with children suffering from spinal cord injury. Apart from that, a test was carried out at the State Reference Centre for Attention to Brain Damage (Ceadac). The preliminary results of these studies indicate significant improvements in the neuroplasticity and the quality of life of patients. Specifically, the Social Robotics and AI Solutions can provide:
- Improved adhesion: These tools use playful social interactions to maintain the patient motivation and increase adherence to treatments in the long term.
- Play-based therapy: Assistive social robotics incorporates principles of Gamification, making the sessions more engaging and effective.
- They promote neuroplasticity: These therapies are designed to promote the formation of new neural connections, which contributes to the functional recovery.
- Fostering a positive attitude: By making rehabilitation more enjoyable, these tools validate the patient's ongoing efforts and improve their attitude toward treatment.
- Greater concentration and motivation: Game mechanics incorporated into the sessions improve patient concentration and motivation.
But this does not end here
En Inrobics We are proud that Inrobics Rehab be the only one social robotics solution certified as medical device in Europe. Hence our commitment to continue its development and expansion. Recently, we launched the “Home” version, which allows patients to perform rehabilitation sessions in their homes, previously set up by their therapists. This expands access to the rehabilitative therapy and offers patients greater flexibility in their recovery process, promoting neuroplasticity.
