Stroke Rehabilitation
Moderate intensity walking practice with or without a virtual reality (VR) component is recommended to improve locomotion of stroke patients, but up to two-thirds of stroke survivors have impaired mobility
Problem
One of the major side effects of stroke is impaired mobility affecting self-maintenance capacity and ability to exercise. Hemi- and paraplegic patients lose their capacity to walk, although uneven leg strength and range of movement impair balance significantly reduce walking-ability.
In stroke, advanced technology can be used for rehabilitation of the upper body in patients steadily sitting or lying. In contrast, mobility rehabilitation requires outstanding resources making it too expensive as a routine service.
One gait practice session for stroke patient may involve assistance of up to four persons. The cost of exoskeletons, robotic devices, and treadmills with weight support falls into the six-figure range.
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An estimated cost of stroke in Australia exceeds $6 billion per year.
The MedExercise-S (stroke) system combines pedal devices, mechanical linear actuators and operational software to facilitate mobilization and gait practice in sitting and lying patients. Based on the assessment of each leg mobility, appropriate exercise modes include active, mechanically assisted and passive movements.
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For patients with impaired mobility, associated software is being developed to provide:
- guidance for maximizing leg movements and sustain gait practice,
- gamification for making foot movements engaging by interaction with software,
- assistance for moving pedal(s) by affected leg or legs with linear actuators,
- monitoring by care providers for managing
patient rehabilitation programs remotely.
