Wrong focus, this is working on the side effects of neuronal death and damage. You go to the cause and stop a lot of that; the neuronal cascade of death in the first week by these 5 causes.
This wouldn't work for me, I have no control over stopping the spasticity that is screwing up my gait. I bet they don't test this on difficult cases like mine.
http://www.belmarrahealth.com/stroke-survivors-improve-walking-recovery-sensory-devices/
Stroke survivors may be able to improve their walking recovery with
the use of sensory devices that are currently being developed by
researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University, in conjunction with
technology firm Lucid Innovation. These devices will be worn by stroke
survivors to aid in walking therapy by sensing stride patterns and
symmetry. The devices will vibrate gently to inform the wearer when
corrections to their walking pattern are needed. This will result in the
wearer learning to improve their walking over time until they no longer
need the cues provided by the device.
The end goal of the development of this haptic device is to increase
the mobility of the wearer and prevent or reduce the isolation that may
be experienced during stroke recovery due to reduced mobility. At the
helm of the project is Dr. Rachel C. Stockley and Glenis Donaldson from
Manchester Metropolitan University’s Department of Health Professions,
as well as Professor Josie Tetley from the Department of Nursing.
Dr. Stockley addressed the need for the haptic device, stating
“Whilst advances in medical treatment mean that many people are more
likely to survive stroke and have improved outcomes, walking and
specifically walking in the community, continues to be a significant
problem for over half of all stroke survivors.” Regaining motor skills
and mobility is a crucial aspect of stroke rehabilitation, as it can
affect both the physical and mental states of survivors.
When mobility is lost, so is the ability to go out into the community
and socialize, which in turn can lead to a lost sense of purpose. This
loss of purpose can increase the burden placed on caregivers and even
lead to more serious complications directly related to a sedentary
lifestyle. Without proper mobility, stroke survivors are more likely to
develop cardiovascular disease or exacerbate any pre-existing issues
related to the heart. Sedentary lifestyles have also been linked to the
development of high blood pressure, as well as anxiety and depression.
These mood disorders will only worsen if the patient remains sedentary
and isolated.
The potential cardiovascular risks are especially concerning for
stroke survivors, seeing as 87 percent of all strokes that effect
Americans are ischemic strokes, which occur when blood flow to the brain
is blocked. Therefore, remaining inactive and isolated not only hinders
the recovery of survivors, but it may also increase the risk of a
recurring stroke. According to the Center for Disease Control,
approximately 185,000 of the people who experience a stroke annually
have already suffered at least one other stroke in their lifetime.
Strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the United States,
responsible for nearly 1 in every 20[] deaths annually, while more than
795,000 Americans experience a stroke each year. As strokes are so
prevalent among the general population, better rehabilitation techniques
are needed in order to aid in the recovery and well-being of stroke
survivors.(Wrong, wrong, wrong; better interventions that stop the neuronal cascade of death are needed) This new haptic device could help to increase the
effectiveness of walking therapy and expedite the recovery process,
though it is still in the early stages of development and not yet ready
for the commercial market.
No comments:
Post a Comment