The damage caused by the stroke in the nerves and muscles requires a tiring and long treatment. At this point, the most technological form of rehabilitation therapy, “robotic rehabilitation” comes into play. During robot-assisted rehabilitation, the patient not only has fun playing video games, but also accelerates the recovery process by exercising more thanks to these games.
A stroke (stroke) is a disease that occurs as a result of reduced or interrupted blood flow to the brain. The consequences of stroke, which is common all over the world, are also very serious. According to the World Health Organization; It ranks second in causes of death and third in causes of disability. Paralysis impairs a person’s movement, sensory abilities, speech, and other functions, causing disability. Acıbadem Taksim Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Assoc. Mustapha Dr. Çorum said, “Still, it can occur at any age and requires urgent medical attention. Immediate treatment can minimize the long-term effects and can be lifesaving. “Moderate to severe impairment occurs in 40 percent of stroke survivors, while 10 percent require long-term maintenance therapy.” says.
It shortens the treatment process and increases the recovery rate.
Well, is it possible for a person who has had a stroke to regain their old healthy days with treatment after they have overcome the danger of life? Answering this question as ‘it is possible in some patients’, Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Çorum, “The treatment of stroke requires a long rehabilitation in order to be able to treat the disability it causes. The patient is trained by specialists to perform certain movements, sometimes for days, sometimes for months. Today, various technological methods have been developed to shorten this long and laborious process and make it more effective. One of them is robots. Robots, which were started to be used in 2000, are being developed rapidly today and many new features are added for the benefit of the patient. With robots, treatment can be started within the first few weeks immediately after a stroke. With the help of robots, certain movements and functional tasks can be learned by repeating the movement in the brain again and correctly. Moreover, when virtual reality technology is added to rehabilitation programs, the recovery rate of the patient increases even more.”
Provides accurate repetition of movement
Using sensor-based systems to evaluate motion and positioning, rehabilitation robots can detect any change in force and motion, no matter how small. Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Çorum says that the advantage of robotic devices over exercises performed by a physiotherapist is that the robotic device ensures that the correct movement is repeated exactly the same every time and trains the brain to activate the muscles. More repetitions per session can be done in robot-assisted rehabilitation. In addition, robots collect data on patient performance, allowing doctors to accurately assess treatment planning and recovery.
Serious patients can be treated effectively
In the rehabilitation phase, different devices are used, each to make certain targets. The latest technologies and advanced robotic devices enable intensive treatment protocols in rehabilitation and offer treatments that would not be possible even for severely affected patients. Highly intensive and repetitive treatments such as robotic walking training, robotic hand-arm-finger training, robotic balance-coordination training ensure the best use of the patient’s healing potential.
5 important points in post-stroke treatment
So, what should patients pay attention to in order to regain their old health after a stroke?
Start rehabilitation early
Recovery of brain and nerve cells begins soon after a stroke and takes weeks. Treatments in the early period, that is, in the first few weeks after the stroke, are recommended. The sooner rehabilitation is started, the more effective the results.
Remember that treatment is personal.
Rehabilitation programs are prepared individually. Since each patient’s needs and response to treatment are different, specialists determine these needs and prepare a special program, and they can reprogram them by evaluating the patient’s response in this program.
Keep in mind that combination therapy may be required
Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Çorum, emphasizing the importance of classical rehabilitation and robotic rehabilitation for effective treatment, says, “When classical neurological rehabilitation and robotic rehabilitation are combined, the recovery rate of patients is higher and faster.”
Be patient and determined
Mentioning that traditional rehabilitation practices are physically and emotionally tiring, Assoc. Mustapha Dr. Çorum says the following about robotic rehabilitation: “To be successful, the patient needs active contribution, serious effort and determination in a treatment program. Treatment depends on the outcome of the disease, the active effort of the patient, and the response of his body. That’s why it’s very important for patients to be positive and have patience.
Harness the healing power of technology
Among the patients who expect a long and tiring treatment process after a stroke, those who receive robotic rehabilitation are more successful in maintaining interest and motivation. With the developments in technology and the addition of virtual reality, augmented reality and customizable games to robotic rehabilitation, the participation of patients and the rate of performing movements more effectively by having fun have increased. Assoc. Dr. Mustafa Çorum states that the idea that patients will increase their mobility with video games during robotic rehabilitation is also welcomed by patients.
Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency
