...Technology and Health Care 19 (2011) 483–495 DOI 10.3233/THC-2011-0646 IOS Press 483 Rehabilitation Engineering Rehabilitation robotics Marko Munih and Tadej Bajd∗ Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia Abstract. The paper presents the background, main achievements and components of rehabilitation robotics in a simple way, using non-technical terms. The introductory part looks at the development of robotic approaches in the rehabilitation of neurological patients and outlines the principles of robotic device interactions with patients. There follows a section on virtual reality in rehabilitation. Hapticity and interaction between robot and human are presented in order to understand the added value of robotics that cannot be exploited in other devices. The importance of passive exercise and active tasks is then discussed using the results of various clinical trials, followed by the place of upper and lower extremity robotic devices in rehabilitation practice. The closing section refers to the general importance of measurements in this area and stresses quantitative measurements as one of the advantages in using robotic devices. Keywords: Robot, haptic interface, virtual reality, measurement 1. Introduction The application of robotic approaches in neurological patient rehabilitation was introduced almost two decades ago [1]. Even though the number of robotic rehabilitation systems is large, the number of clinical trials remains quite...
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...of stroke, this medical condition characterised by paralyses of one side of the body. It is similar to, but should not be confused with hemiparesis which is when one side of the body is weak but still mobile. While the leading cause of hemiplegia is a Cerebrovascular Accident, it is not the only cause, other neural conditions such as a unilateral pyramidal (UMN) lesion may also cause hemiplegia. It is difficult to discuss Hemiplegia without also discussing Stroke, similar to cause and effect, if stroke is the cause then hemiplegia is effect. A sudden stroke can be deadly, and how well someone recovers or if they recover depends largely on how fast they receive treatment. In Australia the most popular method for identifying stroke is the FAST test: * Face – Check their face. Has their mouth dropped? * Arms – Can they lift both arms? * Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? * Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs Call 000 now! Thanks to implementation of tests such as this and advancements in emergency medical treatment of stroke, the numbers of stroke survivors is increasing, which is increasing the demand for effective treatments in stroke rehabilitation. Relevant medical definitions: Evolving stroke: The effects of stroke developing slowly over a period of hours (Gould, 2006) Hemiparesis:...
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...SITUATION : Arthur, A registered nurse, witnessed an old woman hit by a motorcycle while crossing a train railway. The old woman fell at the railway. Arthur rushed at the scene. 1. As a registered nurse, Arthur knew that the first thing that he will do at the scene is A. Stay with the person, Encourage her to remain still and Immobilize the leg while While waiting for the ambulance. B. Leave the person for a few moments to call for help. C. Reduce the fracture manually. D. Move the person to a safer place. 2. Arthur suspects a hip fracture when he noticed that the old woman’s leg is A. Lengthened, Abducted and Internally Rotated. B. Shortened, Abducted and Externally Rotated. C. Shortened, Adducted and Internally Rotated. D. Shortened, Adducted and Externally Rotated. 3. The old woman complains of pain. John noticed that the knee is reddened, warm to touch and swollen. John interprets that this signs and symptoms are likely related to A. Infection B. Thrombophlebitis C. Inflammation D. Degenerative disease 4. The old woman told John that she has osteoporosis; Arthur knew that all of the following factors would contribute to osteoporosis except A. Hypothyroidism B. End stage renal disease C. Cushing’s Disease D. Taking Furosemide and Phenytoin. 5. Martha, The old woman was now Immobilized and brought to the emergency room. The X-ray shows a fractured femur and pelvis. The ER Nurse would carefully monitor Martha for which of the following...
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