Nuevas tecnologías en neurorrehabilitación aplicadas al tratamiento del paciente con lesión medular

Abstract

The use of new technologies in neurorehabilitation in patient with spinal cord injuryHuge changes in the treatment protocols for spinal cord injury patients are taking place thanks to the incorporation of new technologies in neurorehabilitation. Rehabilitation robotic allows high intensity treatments (many repetitions and task-oriented) in motivating environment and providing objective information on patient execution. Both upper and lower extremities may be rehabilitated. Patient in a wheelchair can wander thanks to portable exoskeletons. Brain electrical signals are recorded by electroencephalogram (EEG) or implanted electrodes enabling communication functions, environmental control and the functioning of wheelchair or neuroprosthesis. Functional electrical stimulation is the application of electrical current to muscular tissue resulting in artificial muscle contraction. The most used exoskeleton robots are those with hand opening and closing mechanism and with assisted walking device. Virtual reality creates an interface for the human-computer interaction enabling immersion in virtual environments. All those technologies are motivational tools facilitating treatment adherence.