Looking Forward to 2023: Robotics in Rehabilitation

The future of robotics and rehabilitation is closely intertwined as robotics are playing increasingly more pivotal roles in rehabilitation process for people experiencing various physical and cognitive impairments today. As more robot-assisted rehabilitation therapies are becoming available to patients with various conditions, we will see more effective treatment methods emerging and complementing the current standard therapy methods. 

Neurological Rehabilitation 

Neuro rehabilitation is challenging because it can be very labor intensive and repetitive. Many rehabilitation robots available today are designed to address these challenges while promoting neuroplasticity, a key element in neurological rehab. In addition to passive range of motion (PROM), rebless supports active-assisted range of motion (AAROM) and resisted exercise, allowing treatments to be customized based on each patient’s diagnosis and associated deficits.

Many researchers are exploring the use of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in neuro rehabilitation such as this study on Next-Gen Stroke Rehab: Robot at Home by University of Houston. BCIs are devices that can read brain activity and allow people to control external devices or communicate with others through thought alone. This technology has the potential to help people with severe neurological impairments regain some level of control over their environment and improve their quality of life.

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Technological medical advancements are making common surgeries widely accessible to more patients. In 2021, approximately 800,000 patients received a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), better known as a total knee replacement, and this number is expected to grow at a staggering rate in the coming years. In the past, patients were prescribed a CPM (continuous passive motion) device for use following surgery. However, new research has emphasized the added benefit of not solely relying on PROM immediately following surgery, but rather the benefits of early mobilization and muscle activation. Thus, many surgeons have stopped using CPM devices. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) suggest that the patients should start engaging in active exercise as soon as possible. 

Companies like H Robotics offer portable robotic rehabilitation devices that provide passive, active-assisted, and resistance exercises allowing patients to begin therapy early without leaving their home. The application used to control rebless™, stores and reports data back to authorized clinicians, enabling them to build personalized recovery plans for their patients. 

One obstacle associated with accessing robotic rehabilitation devices is the cost of the device. It is expensive to develop a medical robot that is safe and powerful enough to provide quality physical therapy. Unlike industrial robots, medical robots are expected to move much more precisely mimicking human movement. Companies like H Robotics and Harmonic Bionics have proven that when a robot can mimic human movement, it results in more engaging and safer rehabilitation experience. And, as more companies successfully commercialize these robotic devices, the price of robots will drop to a more affordable rate, making rehabilitation robots more accessible to communities nationwide.   

As with many industries, robotics in healthcare is an active area of research and development and we will continue to see new and innovative ways in which robots are used to help recover from injuries. We are excited to be part of this next wave of new healthcare revolution and provide better recovery experience to the patients. 

Happy holidays and happy new year!