Tech & industry

When the spinal cord is injured, it swells, which restricts blood flow and can cause permanent motor, sensory, and autonomic function damage.

A wide range of patients are now benefiting from the use of AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmills throughout clinics across the UK. Patients with a wide range of neurological conditions are gaining confidence within a fall-safe environment which allows for high intensity repetitions along with increasing motor learning early on in the rehabilitation stage. Originally designed for NASA, the AlterG uses patented Differential Air Pressure Technology to unweight patients from 100% down to 20% of their bodyweight in precise 1% increments.

However, for stroke patients, there are many options available to help sustain their recovery at home, several of which make use of the very latest in cutting-edge technology.

The Stroke Awareness Foundation is vocal in its promotion of the adoption of the latest tech, which often also enables users to make vital progress they may not have done without their usual specialist rehab.

Back in 2000, the world was a very different place, particularly in terms of technology. Many of the high-tech innovations we now accept as standard were not yet launched and healthcare remained one of the most traditional markets around. Yet into this climate, Hocoma launched the prototype of its pioneering Lokomat, a robotic medical device which provides repetitive and highly physiological gait training to patients, enabling even some of the most impaired to learn to walk again.

The rise of online content services has revolutionised TV viewing and music consumption in recent years. And in neuro-rehab too, it is changing approaches and patient interactions. Leading the way in this new world order is NeuronUP – an online platform which is helping rehabilitation professionals across the globe to drive better outcomes from their patients. The tool features more than 10,000 activities, classified into 40+ different cognitive processes and areas of occupation; with new materials released every fortnight.

There is a drive for experienced clinicians to utilise their skills and available equipment to help our clients reach their goals. We are always looking at trialling and implementing systems into our practice that we feel will benefit our clients the most. Recently, Stephen Ruffle from ReWalk Robotics spent the day at STEPS providing the team with a training session to outline and demonstrate the capabilities of the Restore system. Stephen was very knowledgeable and passionate about the product and was able to answer all of our questions about the device. The benefits and systems of the device are clearly stated online on the ReWalk website.

COVID-19 could spark a cultural renaissance, according to some in the art world. Artists thrive on isolation, BBC arts chief Jonty Claypole points out, and therefore an explosion of new work could emerge from current conditions. The spirit of renaissance – meaning ‘rebirth’ in French – might also course through our workplaces. Kitchen tables, spare bedrooms and garden sheds are among the many residential quarters to have been commandeered by home workers recently.

Rolls-Royce through its data technology arm, R2 Data Labs, has partnered with the Motor Neurone Disease Association and some of the world’s leading technology companies, including Accenture, Computacenter, Dell Technologies, Intel and Microsoft, to pool technology and expertise to improve the lives of those living with extreme disabilities. For the first time, those living with MND will be able to have a conversation through a computer using their own voice, words, colloquialisms and accent, without pausing to type answers or being restricted to a prescribed set of words. The new technology, called Quips, uses voice-banking and AI to learn a person’s unique language style and use it in conversation.

Two new devices pioneered to help patients with drop foot are supporting the recovery of stroke and brain injury patients around the world. The L300 Go and L100 Go systems are wireless electronic devices which address issues experienced by patients whose ability to walk is inhibited. The systems, supplied by Ottobock in conjunction with Bioness, have been designed to lift a person’s foot as they walk, improving their gait pattern, making it smoother and safer.

The agreement means people with spinal cord injuries in Germany could benefit from use of the ReWalk 6.0 exoskeleton sysyem. This deal could have a significant impact for spinal cord injured individuals. Under this agreement, eligible beneficiaries will be able to obtain a ReWalk 6.0 exoskeleton device for use in the home that will enable them to stand and walk again, after successful training and verification by the medical service. Three SCI beneficiaries have already received access on the back of the news.