1 - Robotics - Gait Training & Stroke Rehabilitation

Robotics can be implemented with various forms of physical rehabilitation to provide support to patients as well as improve the safety of rehabilitation exercises for Physiotherapists.

More specifically, robotic gait retraining equipment allows patients to have intensive upper limb rehabilitation, stepping and walking practice.

When compared to physical therapy alone, the use of robotic gait training in addition to Physiotherapy helps more patients walk independently and increases the average walking speed of said patients.

Innovations in robotics also benefit Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists directly. Gait training equipment removes a lot of the physical strain for therapists and addresses the limitations that can arise when treating patients with atypical physical attributes.

It also can free staff resources by limiting the number of therapists required on hand to assist patients. Many devices can also generate reports and provide immediate feedback to both patients and therapists.

2 - Gamification - Reflex & Balance Training



The gamification of physical and cognitive training activities offer the potential to improve the motivation and engagement of patients in their treatment.

Such innovations create an immersive treatment experience whereby the use of game mechanics (such as fantasy and challenge) engages reward-related systems in the brain which are known to facilitate learning via the long-term potentiation of neural connections.

Gamification through, for example, high score leaderboards for reflex training, helps to motivate patients to engage in exercise beyond scheduled therapy sessions.

Gamified reflex training devices (such as Blazepods) can be used to improve the skills of athletes or form part of a rehabilitation program for patients recovering from neuromuscular or cognitive damage.

Neurogaming technology has been introduced at several hospitals to improve the participation of patients in mundane exercises that are essential to restore strength and mobility following an injury or sickness.

3 - Lymphedema Management




Many community-based Allied Health companies are supporting patients who are living with lymphedema.

Mechanical engineers have recently invented a wearable, passive massage insert. The design of the insert utilises movements from the human body to massage the area the insert is being worn.

It is mostly used to treat the effects of breast cancer, however, the technology can be applied to various vascular conditions, reconstructions and so on.

This advancement in technology helps people by maximising their limb function and lowering the negative impact of cancer treatments.

4 - Aged Care Monitoring Systems



In Australia, residential aged care homes are subject to quality indicators from the National Aged Care Mandatory Quality Indicator Program. Allied Health clinicians are largely concerned with lowering the incidents of falls (and subsequent injuries).

Typically, falls occur at night when there is lowered vision and less care staff on duty to assist residents. Wonderfully, there are now pressure mats that will alert care staff when a resident wakes up at night and exits their bed. These devices are able to be networked and work in conjunction with automated lighting and doors.

This has the added benefit of monitoring resident movement. Meaning that in falls review meetings, we can identify what times falls are occurring and devise strategies (such as allocating additional staff during high-risk timezones) to lower the risk of falls for residents.

5 - Advancements in Wheelchairs & Manual Handling



Wheelchairs were historically simple and low-cost pieces of equipment. However, they have advanced dramatically, there are now:

• 4 wheel walkers that can convert into a push wheelchair
• Manual wheelchairs with a battery pack, so they can become electric wheelchairs
• Tilt in space, anti-sway and terrain specific wheelchairs such as beach access wheelchairs

Wheelchairs help people to achieve their meaningful goals relating to mobility and accessing their community. The prescription of customised wheelchairs is becoming more appropriate, and funding from the NDIS is enabling clinicians to prescribe high-cost solutions that truly make a difference.

Conclusion

This article was contributed by Vista Healthcare, an Allied Health provider in Sydney, who are happy to answer any follow-up questions from readers.

It is important that consumers have choice and control in what equipment they choose. This is why equipment trials and reviews are imperative - to ensure that the solutions are still clinically appropriate.

Furthermore, Allied Health organisations have a responsibility to remain current with advancements in technology by working with equipment suppliers and attending relevant events to ensure their clients are receiving the very best care.