You noticed someone with a new facial droop, one-sided weakness, and slurred speech, and they called an ambulance. The patient was transported to a hospital, diagnosed, and treated for a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) or a stroke. Now, recovery starts, and physical and occupational rehabilitation is recommended. What’s next? How can modern technology help with recovery after a stroke?
According to the American Stroke Association Guidelines, early physical and occupation rehabilitation using traditional aerobic and resistance training improves mobility after a stroke, improving both walking speed and endurance. The recovery process can take up to 6 months after the initial stroke. [1] Each stroke survival patient’s journey in recovery is different. Cutting-edge therapies using modern technology help those who have suffered strokes. They help decrease the rate of decline by strengthening muscles, improving balance, and even improving cognition.
Robotic Assistive Gait Training, or (RAGT) for short, has technology that can use a wearable exoskeleton, which, when used with a therapist, can challenge the muscles and provide significant improvements in strength, speed, and endurance. [3] It uses software and provides real-time data to the therapist to make adjustments and to provide a controlled and consistent workout. [3] However, as with new technologies, there are some challenges when using RAGT. These include the size of the exoskeleton, cost, including the amount of staff needed to use it, and complexity. [2] Researchers are working to improve these challenges and make them more cost-effective and easier to use. [2]
Virtual reality (VR) is another way rehabilitation uses technology. With the partnership of a physical therapist and using programs like Wi-Fit or Xbox and programs like Dance Central, Table Tilt, or Balance Bubble, patients are helped with strengthening, balance, and cognitive training using a fun video game. [4] VR provides repetition of movement to help the body re-learn, readapt, reorganize networks in the brain, and recreate new connections, thereby improving motor skills and mild cognitive impairment. [5] VR with conventional physical therapy improves quality of life and mobility after stroke.[5]
Harnessing technology has shown promise in improving multiple areas of health, including the quality of life for stroke survivors. Research is ongoing to tweak and improve these technologies so that they are part of the standard rehabilitation treatment with conventional therapy.
References
[1] American Stroke Association (2024) Stroke Rehabilitation. https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/stroke-rehab
[2] Hu, M., Wang, S., Wu, C., Li, K., Geng, Z., Xu, G., & Dong, L. (2024). Efficacy of robot-assisted gait training on lower extremity function in subacute stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation (21) 165 1-15. Retrieved from https://jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12984-024-01463-1
[3] Park, YH, Lee, DH & Lee, JH (2024). A Comprehensive Review: Robot-Assisted Treatments for Gait Rehabilitation in Stroke Patients. Medicina 60(4) 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040620
[4] Peng, Y., Wang, Y., Zhang, L, Zhang, Y., Sha, L., Dong, J., He, Y. (2024) Virtual reality exergames for improving physical function, cognition and depression among older nursing home residents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Geriatric Nursing (57) 31-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.02.032
[5] Rhutuja, K., Mathew, G.S., Ahmed, S., Maheen, S., Fawad, M., Bandaru, P., Zerin, A., Nazir, Z., Khawaja, I., Sharif, I., Abdin, Z.U. & Akbar, A. ( 2023) Virtual and augmented reality in post-stroke rehabilitation: A narrative review. Cureus. 15(4). Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10183111/ Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board