Stroke Rehabilitation Evolves
By Bomia, Jason; Helmkap, Nick; Lyons, Sally; Rehab Management,Publication Date: December 2007
Review of technology-based tools aiding in the recovery of stroke patients. The article describes a holistic treatment approach offered at the Stroke Program of the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which incorporates the following: (1) Biofeedback, which involves computerized measuring devices to monitor biologic activity ordinarily beneath conscious awareness, enabling patients to exert some degree of conscious control over movements; (2) Partial body-weight-supported treadmill training, providing patients the opportunity to practice gait training before they are ready to train with minimal support; (3) The Saebo-Flex, a mechanical device worn on the upper forearm and hand that allows stroke patients to incorporate their affected hand through a volitional grasp and release of objects; (4) Functional electric stimulation (FES) systems that help patients with upper-extremity paresis regain hand control, as well as assist stroke patients with drop foot. Both the hand and foot systems are based on the concept of cortical reorganization through sensory input, whereby the stimulation and repetition of movements with FES allow the healthy parts of the brain to relearn lost function by creating new pathways. A case study of a 26-year-old male stroke patient is included to illustrate the implementation of the technologies.
Assistive Products Discussed: SAEBOFLEX
Published by: Ascend Media LLC (Website:http://www.ascendmedia.com)
Link to text: http://www.rehabpub.com/issues/articles/2007-12_01.asp
