[Review] Technical Developments for Rehabilitation of Mobility – Full Text

Abstract

Technically assisted rehabilitation of mobility after stroke has been well established for several years. There is good evidence for the use of end-effector devices, exoskeletons and treadmill training with and without body weight support. New developments provide the possibility for functional training during mobilization, even in intensive care units. Mobile exoskeleton devices have been developed, but their clinical effects need still to be evaluated. All devices should not only focus on increasing the number of repetitions, but also include motivational aspects such as virtual reality environments. Hygienic aspects impose a special challenge. All devices should be integrated into a rational and clearly-defined therapy concept.

Introduction

Technicallyassisted rehabilitation of mobility after stroke has been well established for several years [1]. The premise “if you want to learn to walk, you have to walk” is of primary importance. In 1995, the working group led by Stefan Hesse showed that repetitive training of walking movements using a treadmill leads to greater improvement of walking ability in stroke patients compared to conventional physiotherapy [2].

Since using a treadmill for severely affected patients is not an optimal approach, alternative solutions have been sought [3]. Almost simultaneously two technical solutions were developed. By developing the electromechanical Gangtrainer GT1^®, the Berlin group created a so-called end-effector device in which the trajectory of the gait cycle is predefined and the body’s center of gravity is controlled by a belt system in the vertical and horizontal direction. An alternative technical solution, the Lokomat^®, was developed by a Zürich working group as an exoskeleton which uses motors to control the knee and hip joints, so that the patient can perform gait exercises even in the case of complete paraplegia.

These approaches can now be classified as clearly evidence-based. Within the framework of the guideline initiative of the German Society for Neurorehabilitation, the guideline “Rehabilitation of Motor Function after Stroke” (ReMos) was published in 2015. Based on a systematic literature search, a total of 188 randomized clinical trials and 11 systematic reviews were identified that met stipulated quality criteria [4]. This literature was grouped not only according to interventions, but also according to the target criteria and thus the severity of the patients’ disability. Based on available evidence, different recommendations were made for gaining and improving mobility, improving walking speed, walking distance and balance [5].

However, during the last few years the rehabilitation landscape in Germany has been particularly characterized by earlier admissions of patients who are still quite disabled when leaving the primary care hospitals. This is demonstrated by massive increases in early rehabilitation treatment capacity, including those with possibilities of mechanical ventilation [6]. For patients, this development offers the advantage of being transferred early in structured rehabilitative environments where new solutions are being developed. The current state of the art as well as new developments will be discussed below. […]

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Fig. 1 Verticalization in conjunction with initiation of walking movements (Erigo^®, image rights: Hocoma, Zürich, Switzerland).

[REVIEW] Technical Developments for Rehabilitation of Mobility – Full Text

Abstract

Technically assisted rehabilitation of mobility after stroke has been well established for several years. There is good evidence for the use of end-effector devices, exoskeletons and treadmill training with and without body weight support. New developments provide the possibility for functional training during mobilization, even in intensive care units. Mobile exoskeleton devices have been developed, but their clinical effects need still to be evaluated. All devices should not only focus on increasing the number of repetitions, but also include motivational aspects such as virtual reality environments. Hygienic aspects impose a special challenge. All devices should be integrated into a rational and clearly-defined therapy concept.

Introduction

Technicallyassisted rehabilitation of mobility after stroke has been well established for several years [1]. The premise “if you want to learn to walk, you have to walk” is of primary importance. In 1995, the working group led by Stefan Hesse showed that repetitive training of walking movements using a treadmill leads to greater improvement of walking ability in stroke patients compared to conventional physiotherapy [2].

Since using a treadmill for severely affected patients is not an optimal approach, alternative solutions have been sought [3]. Almost simultaneously two technical solutions were developed. By developing the electromechanical Gangtrainer GT1^®, the Berlin group created a so-called end-effector device in which the trajectory of the gait cycle is predefined and the body’s center of gravity is controlled by a belt system in the vertical and horizontal direction. An alternative technical solution, the Lokomat^®, was developed by a Zürich working group as an exoskeleton which uses motors to control the knee and hip joints, so that the patient can perform gait exercises even in the case of complete paraplegia.

These approaches can now be classified as clearly evidence-based. Within the framework of the guideline initiative of the German Society for Neurorehabilitation, the guideline “Rehabilitation of Motor Function after Stroke” (ReMos) was published in 2015. Based on a systematic literature search, a total of 188 randomized clinical trials and 11 systematic reviews were identified that met stipulated quality criteria [4]. This literature was grouped not only according to interventions, but also according to the target criteria and thus the severity of the patients’ disability. Based on available evidence, different recommendations were made for gaining and improving mobility, improving walking speed, walking distance and balance [5].

However, during the last few years the rehabilitation landscape in Germany has been particularly characterized by earlier admissions of patients who are still quite disabled when leaving the primary care hospitals. This is demonstrated by massive increases in early rehabilitation treatment capacity, including those with possibilities of mechanical ventilation [6]. For patients, this development offers the advantage of being transferred early in structured rehabilitative environments where new solutions are being developed. The current state of the art as well as new developments will be discussed below. […]

Continue —>  Thieme E-Journals – Neurology International Open / Full Text

Fig. 1 Verticalization in conjunction with initiation of walking movements (Erigo®, image rights: Hocoma, Zürich, Switzerland).