A robot is helping stroke victims regain movement in their arms. The robot was created by Jules Dewald, PhD, associate professor of physical therapy and human movement sciences, physical medicine, and rehabilitation and biomedical engineering at Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, and Wim Lam, owner and general manager of Lam Design Management of Orchard Park, NY.
Most people who have suffered a stroke find reaching out very difficult to do unless the arm is fully supported. Up to now an air bearing device that slides over a large table has been used, but this is a clumsy solution. Lam's company represented a robot called the HapticMASTER from Netherlands-based Moog FCS B.V., and Lam suggested that perhaps the robot could replace a real table with a virtual one for the benefit of stroke victims. The idea was to create a virtual world for stroke victims, so that the weight of their arm could be fully eliminated and then gradually reintroduced.
A chair created by Biodex Medical Devices,Shirley, NY, provides an adjustable seat that allows individuals to be placed in the correct position with respect to the robot. The combination of the Biodex chair and the HapticMASTER robot created the new ACT3D system.The built-in interface, which supports the hand and forearm, is connected to a gimble, which is attached to a special load cell.
The computer creates a virtual world with objects and responds to a patient's movements. The robot processes 3-D information, allowing subjects to see their arm and the virtual objects in space.It generates a sensation of contact with physical objects. The video interface Feedback provides a realistic feel to the objects in the virtual environment. Over time, the robot can be set to to allow the patient to control more and more of the weight of his arm, until he can deal with the real weight of the arm as he explores the work space.
The next iteration of the ACT3D, a system help patients regain hand/finger dexterity, is already in progress.
The SaeboFlex device has been marketed for people with a neurological condition, (like a stroke or spinal injury) that have limited their hand movement. Some injuries leave the person unable to open their hand and until now physiotherapists could do little to help. People were left unable to use their hand properly and so were disabled. Simple everyday tasks like picking up a glass or opening a door become impossible as the brain has, in effect, forgotten how to use the hand properly.
SaeboFlex was developed in 2002 in the United States by a group of Occupational Therapists who were frustrated by the lack of treatment options available to improve the grip and release functions of the hand.
It is a purely mechanical based device that is simple to understand. By using a system of springs attached to the forearm the hand is pulled open. The patient can then use their own muscles to close the hand; resulting in a 'functional' hand. The spring system can be altered to add or reduce the level of assistance.
Impaired individuals can re-learn how to use their hands properly over a few months of therapy. The SaeboFlex takes over the 'forgotten' skill of opening the hand. It still demands a considerable commitment, twice a day for 45 minute sessions and the results can take months.
By using a series of exercises to build the use of the arm, shoulder and hand improve strength, range of movement and motor skill in the affected limb. For example picking up a soft ball, about the size of a grapefruit, and move it from one basket to another. Although apparently pointless they are intended to slowly re-educate the use of the hand and to regain some of the lost function.
It is claimed by the inventors that even individuals over 20 years post neurological injury can benefit from the SaeboFlex. Although they do admit that the longer the time between your injury and the treatment then the longer any improvement are likely to take. In addition, the ability to use the hand has understandably been described as being extremely motivating during the long recovery process.
But SaeboFlex doesn't work for everyone, there are a range of people that are unlikely to benefit. For example you must have some shoulder and elbow movement. You must also be able to flex (close) your fingers and ideally have some ability to open your fingers to get the best results.
It's also gaining credibility as a number of American Private Medical Insurance companies will now cover the expense of the SaeboFlex equipment and treatment.
There are only a few alternatives to chose from. One is the Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (C.I.M.T.). This technique involves restraining the less-impaired arm (by placing the entire arm in a sling or placing the hand in a mitt). The philosophy is that you are at some level choosing not to use the 'bad' arm or hand as it is too difficult. So by disabling the 'good' arm you are forced to use the 'bad' one. With similar shaping and repetitive task exercises to the SeaboFLEX system the brain relearns how to use the 'bad'. With the same objective as SaeboFLEX the brain effectively gets re-wired so that you can regain use of your arm.
The advantage of this system is it is simple and therefore easy to administer. Clinical Trials have proved that it does produce results, and that those results last. The disadvantage is that during treatment you are functionally worse off - so this needs a stronger, more durable level of self confidence otherwise it could be quite depressing.
Another alternative is the NESS H200 device. Created by the American Bioness company it is a system that uses a mild electrical stimulation to get your arm working again. It is intended to help reeducate your muscles over time , giving you the use of your hand by delivering the 'missing' electrical stimulation your muscles will work in a natural way. The advantages are similar to the SaeboFLEX in that you gain functionality (rather than loosing it with the CMIT system). It does require expert help to install, although the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) system has been around for a number of years and is widely trusted by the therapeutic profession. What is new is applying this to the forearm and hand function.
It is important to acknowledge that these three systems all produce results. The easiest solution to use is the CMIT system. The NESS 200 device is certainly less bulky, and looks better, than the SaeboFLEX and achieves the same results. Each require expert training, the SaeboFLEX is simpler to install but requires a made to measure device. The real difference is likely to be as a result of the experience and expertise of your Therapist.
Both Janan Frasier & Matthew Bettison are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Janan Frasier has sinced written about articles on various topics from Martial Arts, Motorola Cell Phone and Stroke Treatment. Janan Frasier writes about the use of technology in our everyday lives. For more information the technology described here check out. Janan Frasier's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
Matthew Bettison has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, Investments and Interview Questions. To find out more information about SaeboFLEX Therapy or to speak with Laura about Neurological Physiotherapy then click here >=