Yeah for Australians. You'll have to go to the link to see a non-understandable picture of what it looks like. Have your therapist report back to you on its feasibility.
http://www.newsmaker.com.au/news/18497
SMART Arm Pty Ltd, the latest start-up enterprise from leading
Australian university commercialisation company UniQuest, has secured
investment from Townsville Mackay Medicare Local (TMML) to launch an
innovative device for improving recovery outcomes for people who have
experienced stroke and/or brain injury.
The Sensory-Motor Active
Rehabilitation Training (SMART) Arm is a portable, non-robotic
technology that enables stroke survivors with upper limb weakness to
drive their own rehabilitation.
With feedback on performance via
an interactive computer program and incremental increases in load and
reaching range, the SMART Arm reduces the degrees of freedom to be
controlled and provides a goal for movement. For stroke survivors with
very severe weakness, it can also be used with outcome-triggered
electrical stimulation to augment full-range reaching.
UniQuest
Managing Director, David Henderson, said SMART Arm Pty Ltd was formed to
further develop, manufacture and market the technology, which
originated from multi-disciplinary research at two Queensland
universities.
“SMART Arm the company is the culmination of more
than eight years of stroke rehabilitation research, design and testing
at James Cook University (JCU) and The University of Queensland (UQ),”
Mr Henderson explained.
“The SMART Arm technology was developed
by researchers across a number of disciplines, including physiotherapy,
neuroscience and engineering. We now have TMML on board, bringing to the
venture its commercial and community health acumen and access to
rehabilitation clinic and networks worldwide.
“This partnership
demonstrates how collaborations between universities, research
disciplines, and industry can translate into real and practical benefits
for the wider community,” Mr Henderson said.
While details of
the agreement between SMART Arm Pty Ltd shareholders and TMML remain
commercial-in-confidence, the transaction is expected to accelerate the
device’s manufacture so units could be available for distribution within
12 months.
Led by Dr Ruth Barker, an Adjunct Senior Lecturer
from JCU’s School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Sciences, the team which developed the SMART Arm included UQ
researchers Professor Richard Carson (Human Movement Studies), Associate
Professor Sandy Brauer (Physiotherapy), Dr David Lloyd (Human Movement
Studies) and Kate Hayward (Physiotherapy PhD student).
The
research team has demonstrated that a program of SMART Arm training
improved arm function, arm muscle activation and neural plasticity in
people with chronic stroke, with the last finding published in the July
2012 issue of Experimental Brain Research.
“We are thrilled to have a Queensland company like TMML back our innovation,” said Dr Barker.
“Stroke
is the leading cause of severe long term disability in the Western
world. Every year, over three million stroke survivors try to regain use
of their upper limbs. SMART Arm is one of the few interventions shown
to result in positive changes in neural plasticity in people with
chronic stroke, so we’re very keen to see the device become available to
as many as possible, as soon as possible,” Dr Barker said.
TMML
chairman, Dr Kevin Arlett, said TMML recognised the potential for SMART
Arm to address a major unmet need in the allied health care industry.
“We’re proud to be partnering with Dr Barker and her team to launch this technology commercially,” Dr Arlett said.
“The
SMART Arm will make a huge difference to stroke survivor outcomes
because it’s interactive and it allows patients to practise
independently and direct their own rehabilitation. And, because it’s
small enough to be used for clinical inpatient and outpatient settings
as well as in rehabilitation services, nursing homes and local area
health services, more people will benefit.”
Dr Barker recently
demonstrated the SMART Arm device at a workshop on driving neural
plasticity that was associated with this year’s International Society
for Electrophysiology and Kinesiology Congress (ISEK2012).
Showing posts with label therapy aids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label therapy aids. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Positive effects of robotic exoskeleton training of upper limb reaching movements after stroke
This is for chronic so thats great, I think I'd prefer the Japanese one
http://www.jneuroengrehab.com/content/pdf/1743-0003-9-36.pdf
Background
Impairment of upper limb function is one of the most common sequelae following stroke; in
particular arm function is found to be altered in 73% to 88% of first time stroke survivors
(infarctions only), and 55% to 75% still experience problems that impair their activities of
daily living for up to 3 to 6 months or more [1,2].
Impairments limit the patient’s autonomy in daily living and may lead to permanent disability
[3]. The deficits are typically characterized by weakness of specific muscles [4], lack of
mobility between structures at the shoulder girdle [5], incorrect timing of components within
a movement pattern [6,7] and loss of interjoint coordination [8]. Consequently goal directed
movements in hemiplegic patients are characterized by lower movement amplitude,
prolonged movement time, segmented trajectories and abnormal pattern of muscle activation.
Compensatory motor strategies, characterized by adaptations to muscle imbalance [9], are
commonly adopted by stroke patients in attempt to overcome these impairments.
Various rehabilitation interventions to improve skill reacquisition have shown promising
results in overcoming motor impairment after stroke [10].
High intensity and task specific upper limb treatment consisting of active, highly repetitive
movement is one of the most effective approaches to arm function post-stroke restoration
[11-13]. Recent studies moreover suggest that given appropriate training, motor
improvements of the upper limb can continue well into the chronic stage of stroke [14-16].
The use of robot devices in rehabilitation can provide high intensity, repetitive, task specific
and interactive treatment of the impaired upper limb and an objective, reliable mean of
monitoring patients progress. Systematic review confirms the potential for robotic assisted
devices to elicit improvements in upper limb function [17,18]. Moreover virtual reality
provided a unique medium where therapy can be provided within a functional, purposeful and
motivating context and can be readily graded and documented [19]. The cortical
reorganization and associated functional motor recovery after virtual reality in patient with
chronic stroke are documented also by fMRI [20].
While several studies have already investigated the effects of robot assisted training in planar
movements performed in the horizontal plane [21], the effect of training on the control and
production of multi-joint and spatial functional arm movements, including movements
against gravity, in hemiparetic subjects has received less attention.
It has been already shown that stereotyped movement patterns [8] due to abnormal muscle
co-activation result in a reduced active range of motion against gravity. In particular
providing antigravity limb support, leads to a reduction of the abnormal coupling between
shoulder abduction/elbow flexion [22] and promising results have been found in the robotic
training of patients with antigravity vertical movements that involve shoulder elevation [23].
Moreover orthoses providing only passive gravity assistance to the arm in reaching
movements can induce comparable clinical improvements to those obtained with robotic
training [24].
In this study we have investigated the effects of robot aided training on the recovery of spatial
reaching movements, with a focus on point-to-point reaching movements performed in
different directions, analysing how muscle imbalance in stroke influences the process of
motor recovery in terms of regain of smooth movement, interjoint coordination and
agonistic/antagonistic muscle recruitment.
A robotic treatment was administered through the L-EXOS [25,26], a robotic exoskeleton for
the upper limb, in a group of nine patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Exoskeleton
robotic systems allow to execute full spatial multi-joint functional arm movements, including
elevation movements with shoulder abduction, providing either variable gravity support or
active assistance to the impaired arm [27].
To assess the carry-over of the observed improvements in movement during training into
improved function, changes in movement execution and smoothness of motion were analysed
through a kinesiologic assessment, consisting in the motion and dynamic electromyographic
analysis of reaching movements performed before and after training.
The kinesiologic performance (movement time, smoothness of motion) was then analysed in
relation to the changes in the EMG pattern of agonist–antagonist muscle co-activation and
shoulder-elbow interjoint coordination.
http://www.jneuroengrehab.com/content/pdf/1743-0003-9-36.pdf
Background
Impairment of upper limb function is one of the most common sequelae following stroke; in
particular arm function is found to be altered in 73% to 88% of first time stroke survivors
(infarctions only), and 55% to 75% still experience problems that impair their activities of
daily living for up to 3 to 6 months or more [1,2].
Impairments limit the patient’s autonomy in daily living and may lead to permanent disability
[3]. The deficits are typically characterized by weakness of specific muscles [4], lack of
mobility between structures at the shoulder girdle [5], incorrect timing of components within
a movement pattern [6,7] and loss of interjoint coordination [8]. Consequently goal directed
movements in hemiplegic patients are characterized by lower movement amplitude,
prolonged movement time, segmented trajectories and abnormal pattern of muscle activation.
Compensatory motor strategies, characterized by adaptations to muscle imbalance [9], are
commonly adopted by stroke patients in attempt to overcome these impairments.
Various rehabilitation interventions to improve skill reacquisition have shown promising
results in overcoming motor impairment after stroke [10].
High intensity and task specific upper limb treatment consisting of active, highly repetitive
movement is one of the most effective approaches to arm function post-stroke restoration
[11-13]. Recent studies moreover suggest that given appropriate training, motor
improvements of the upper limb can continue well into the chronic stage of stroke [14-16].
The use of robot devices in rehabilitation can provide high intensity, repetitive, task specific
and interactive treatment of the impaired upper limb and an objective, reliable mean of
monitoring patients progress. Systematic review confirms the potential for robotic assisted
devices to elicit improvements in upper limb function [17,18]. Moreover virtual reality
provided a unique medium where therapy can be provided within a functional, purposeful and
motivating context and can be readily graded and documented [19]. The cortical
reorganization and associated functional motor recovery after virtual reality in patient with
chronic stroke are documented also by fMRI [20].
While several studies have already investigated the effects of robot assisted training in planar
movements performed in the horizontal plane [21], the effect of training on the control and
production of multi-joint and spatial functional arm movements, including movements
against gravity, in hemiparetic subjects has received less attention.
It has been already shown that stereotyped movement patterns [8] due to abnormal muscle
co-activation result in a reduced active range of motion against gravity. In particular
providing antigravity limb support, leads to a reduction of the abnormal coupling between
shoulder abduction/elbow flexion [22] and promising results have been found in the robotic
training of patients with antigravity vertical movements that involve shoulder elevation [23].
Moreover orthoses providing only passive gravity assistance to the arm in reaching
movements can induce comparable clinical improvements to those obtained with robotic
training [24].
In this study we have investigated the effects of robot aided training on the recovery of spatial
reaching movements, with a focus on point-to-point reaching movements performed in
different directions, analysing how muscle imbalance in stroke influences the process of
motor recovery in terms of regain of smooth movement, interjoint coordination and
agonistic/antagonistic muscle recruitment.
A robotic treatment was administered through the L-EXOS [25,26], a robotic exoskeleton for
the upper limb, in a group of nine patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Exoskeleton
robotic systems allow to execute full spatial multi-joint functional arm movements, including
elevation movements with shoulder abduction, providing either variable gravity support or
active assistance to the impaired arm [27].
To assess the carry-over of the observed improvements in movement during training into
improved function, changes in movement execution and smoothness of motion were analysed
through a kinesiologic assessment, consisting in the motion and dynamic electromyographic
analysis of reaching movements performed before and after training.
The kinesiologic performance (movement time, smoothness of motion) was then analysed in
relation to the changes in the EMG pattern of agonist–antagonist muscle co-activation and
shoulder-elbow interjoint coordination.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Games for Stroke rehabilitation
While this is a worthwhile study this person should have realized that therapy after the fact needs to be avoided at all costs. The therapy works poorly and needs to be avoided. One of the main ways to do that is to prevent the neuronal cascade of death. Then the focus could be on neurogenesis and stem cells to replace the dead area.
Doesn't anyone think through what needs to completely change for stroke rehab?
http://www.cs.auckland.ac.nz/compsci705s1c/exams/SeminarReports/Final%20Report%20epen234.pdf
Full 4 pages at the link.
ABSTRACT
Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability and have been described as a “worldwide epidemic” [5]. Strokes cause disability, partial paralysis and leave up to 85% of their victims with some form of motor impairment. Stroke rehabilitation starts as soon as possible and involves repetitive movement which people find repetitive and boring. A study [1] has found that as few as 31% of people complete their exercises as recommended. Adding to this the high cost of one on one therapy and transport to see specialists, stroke rehabilitation is a major problem. Games have been trialed for stroke rehabilitation to increase patient motivation and reduce costs. This literature review aims to find out to what extent games have therapeutic value and further, what characteristics make a good game for stroke rehabilitation. We find that in order for a game to be successful it must be based on solid therapeutic principles as well as game design principles including “challenge” and “meaningful feedback”. Different hardware and software can be used as long as it follows game design principles to encourage patients to perform therapeutic exercises. Games must also take into account the low morale of recent stroke victims and avoid discouraging beginners.
Doesn't anyone think through what needs to completely change for stroke rehab?
http://www.cs.auckland.ac.nz/compsci705s1c/exams/SeminarReports/Final%20Report%20epen234.pdf
Full 4 pages at the link.
ABSTRACT
Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability and have been described as a “worldwide epidemic” [5]. Strokes cause disability, partial paralysis and leave up to 85% of their victims with some form of motor impairment. Stroke rehabilitation starts as soon as possible and involves repetitive movement which people find repetitive and boring. A study [1] has found that as few as 31% of people complete their exercises as recommended. Adding to this the high cost of one on one therapy and transport to see specialists, stroke rehabilitation is a major problem. Games have been trialed for stroke rehabilitation to increase patient motivation and reduce costs. This literature review aims to find out to what extent games have therapeutic value and further, what characteristics make a good game for stroke rehabilitation. We find that in order for a game to be successful it must be based on solid therapeutic principles as well as game design principles including “challenge” and “meaningful feedback”. Different hardware and software can be used as long as it follows game design principles to encourage patients to perform therapeutic exercises. Games must also take into account the low morale of recent stroke victims and avoid discouraging beginners.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
High-tech sports tool helping stroke, brain-injury patients at Edmonton rehab hospital
Demand your stroke clinic have something similar.
http://metronews.ca/news/edmonton/254747/high-tech-sports-tool-helping-stroke-brain-injury-patients-at-edmonton-rehab-hospital/
Mell Snyder knows he is well on the road to recovery thanks to work at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital – because he got his driver’s licence back.
The 62-year-old Lamont man had a stroke in March, leaving him with blurred vision and right-side weakness.
He wraps up rehab in Edmonton next week – and credits recently acquired technology for helping him get to this point.
“It’s improved my reaction, it’s improved my feeling,” said Snyder. “So it will get me back in the workforce.”
Dynavision D2 is a computerized light board with tiny buttons that light up. Numerous drills can be run on the board, all with the idea of hitting whichever buttons are lit.
The technology was first developed for professional athletes to improve hand-eye co-ordination, reaction time, peripheral vision, visual awareness and concentration skills.
“It’s nice to have a piece of equipment that has summarized actual data,” said Quentin Ranson, rehabilitation technology leader. “The patients can see their improvements.”
The equipment arrived about a year ago, and between 10 and 15 patients train twice weekly on it every month.
“It’s being used more and more,” said Ranson. “The trend has bumped up since the new year.”
The equipment resides in the Building Trades of Alberta Courage Centre and was donated by the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.
Picture at the link.
http://metronews.ca/news/edmonton/254747/high-tech-sports-tool-helping-stroke-brain-injury-patients-at-edmonton-rehab-hospital/
Mell Snyder knows he is well on the road to recovery thanks to work at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital – because he got his driver’s licence back.
The 62-year-old Lamont man had a stroke in March, leaving him with blurred vision and right-side weakness.
He wraps up rehab in Edmonton next week – and credits recently acquired technology for helping him get to this point.
“It’s improved my reaction, it’s improved my feeling,” said Snyder. “So it will get me back in the workforce.”
Dynavision D2 is a computerized light board with tiny buttons that light up. Numerous drills can be run on the board, all with the idea of hitting whichever buttons are lit.
The technology was first developed for professional athletes to improve hand-eye co-ordination, reaction time, peripheral vision, visual awareness and concentration skills.
“It’s nice to have a piece of equipment that has summarized actual data,” said Quentin Ranson, rehabilitation technology leader. “The patients can see their improvements.”
The equipment arrived about a year ago, and between 10 and 15 patients train twice weekly on it every month.
“It’s being used more and more,” said Ranson. “The trend has bumped up since the new year.”
The equipment resides in the Building Trades of Alberta Courage Centre and was donated by the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.
Picture at the link.
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