The possibilities of the AI in neurorehabilitation are a reality in constant expansion. The Artificial Intelligence has been positioned as a game-changing tool that promises to optimize recovery and improve function in patients with neurological disorders. This innovative approach is transforming the neurorehabilitation landscape, providing new hope and opportunities for personalized and effective attention.
A necessary definition to understand the use of AI in neurorehabilitation
Before we delve into the power of AI in this field, it is essential to understand what AI is. neurorehabilitation. The World Health Organization defines it as an active process through which people who have suffered a neurological injury or disease seek to achieve the best possible comprehensive recovery. In short, this process encompasses the physical, mental and social development so that the patient can return to his or her daily life appropriately.
Certainly the neurorehabilitation has experienced significant progress since the mid-twentieth century, when the focus was changed from considering the consequences of brain injuries were permanent. Now, this discipline focuses on the regenerative potential and dynamic reorganization of the brain even months or years after a brain injury. This paradigm shift drove the translational research and the need to stimulate damaged brain networks in a controlled and intensive manner with various neuromodulation and neuronal repair tools. Hence, the relevance of incorporating technologies such as AI in neurorehabilitation.
In this sense, the complexity of the process that concerns us requires that specialists identify the alterations and guide the phenomena of intrinsic plasticity of the nervous system to maximize recovery and prevent systemic and neurological complications. In addition, it seeks to promote preserved capacities to achieve the greatest possible physical, cognitive and behavioral autonomy, thus promoting social reintegration of the patient in his/her usual environment.
New technologies and AI in neurorehabilitation
Certainly, various technologies, in association with the Artificial Intelligence, have found an important place in the neurorehabilitationLet's analyze some of them:
- One of the most significant advances is the telerehabilitation, a tool of telemedicine which allows remote rehabilitation of the patient. With the support of platforms with video cameras and specific programs, therapists can interact with patients and guide both the motor rehabilitation as cognitive. This not only offers the possibility of working in real time, but also asynchronous monitoring with the patient's usual tasks, providing a remote evolutionary analysis and optimizing the personalized attention.
- Furthermore, the robotics It is also playing a key role in the neurorehabilitation. Assistive robotic devices can be divided into three categories: service robotics, non-wearable assistive robotics, and wearable assistive robotics. While the service robotics provides assistance in daily living activities for people with permanent disabilities, assistive devices non-portable and portable focus on rehabilitative and therapeutic work. exoskeletons They are a representative example of this last category, demonstrating benefits in working on the functionality of the upper limb.
- Another emerging technology in neurorehabilitation is the virtual reality. This tool allows interaction with a realistic virtual environment, favouring the practice of specific functions. In fact, virtual reality has demonstrated its ability to promote neuroplasticity and improve the patient adherence to therapeutic objectives, enriching the recovery process.
- Finally, the noninvasive neuromodulation techniques have gained ground in early neurorehabilitation. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation are providing promising results in facilitating the neuronal regeneration by activating the natural mechanisms of neuroplasticity.
Application of AI in neurorehabilitation
La Artificial Intelligence AI is playing a fundamental role in neurorehabilitation by allying itself with the technologies already mentioned. In this context, automation in the therapeutic management of the patient is one of the most significant benefits that AI offers in this field. Thanks to the massive collection of biometric data During the therapies, the AI algorithms can classify and predict fictitious outcomes based on regression models. This capability allows for improved feedback effectiveness and optimize patient-machine interfaces, whether to achieve progressive therapeutic benefits or to assist with permanent disabilities.
Furthermore, the AI in neurorehabilitation AI is also positively impacting the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with neurological disorders. When applied in neuroimaging studies and neurophysiological tests, it can establish functional and temporal prognoses in complex scenarios, such as altered states of consciousness. AI can help define specific clinical subtypes and profiles, which optimizes the pharmacological and neurorehabilitative indications for each patient, increasing their effectiveness.
At the therapeutic level, AI has revolutionized the way technological devices interact with patients during treatment. neurorehabilitation. By connecting AI to devices like robots o exoskeletons, these machines can "learn" from the data collected during therapy. This means that the machine can make decisions and progressively adjust the therapy plan for the functional and cognitive benefit of the patient. Likewise, AI facilitates the interconnection of diagnostic and therapeutic technological resources to establish a individualized therapeutic plan and monitor their progress, thus creating precision medicine for each patient.
AI in the areas of functional motor application and neurocognitive application
Even in the area of functional motor application, wearable and non-wearable robots can greatly benefit from AI. By generating a progressive and individualized therapeutic plan, these devices can operate with minimal supervision by medical and therapeutic staff. In this case, specific sensors make it possible to ensure the patient safety during therapy, detecting incidents and avoiding accidents. AI has also been crucial in the dependency assistance devices (motorized wheelchairs, for example) mediated by brain-machine interfaces. In this regard, this is essential for the system to learn brain patterns – through machine learning algorithm – that correspond to specific intentions of the patient.
In the area of neurocognitive application, the AI in neurorehabilitation is key to long-term recovery from cognitive impairment following brain damage. AI-based computational models record results and their evolution over time, allowing for adaptive and individualized training for each patient. This frees the therapist from routine tasks and enables most efficient therapy.
Inrobics, an example of AI application in rehabilitation
As we saw, the robotics and the AI in neurorehabilitation have the potential to revolutionize the way neurological diseases are treated. In InrobicsWe are committed to using these technologies to improve the lives of people with functional or neurological limitations.
En Inrobics, we use the Artificial Intelligence and social robots to improve the quality of life of people with functional or neurological limitations. Our platform is being successfully tested in collective and individual therapies and is helping many people to regain mobility and coordination.
In addition, we use the Nao humanoid robot to provide patients with personalized care tailored to their needs. Nao is able to recognize patients, to create narratives based on their preferences and to objectively monitor and measure the degree of movement of the user's joints. This allows obtaining accurate, objective and reliable data, with which reports are generated for family members and therapists about the individual's condition and their progress. All of this, supported by artificial intelligence algorithms.
We invite you to learn more about Inrobics Rehab Clinic, a project designed, developed and tested in Spain, and which integrates robotics and AI in neurorehabilitation. Contact us and request a free demo!
