A stroke is a serious medical condition with prolonged, debilitating impacts on a patient’s life. During a stroke, blood clots or constricted vessels in the brain prevent nerve cells from getting the nutrients they need. As a result, these cells may die off, causing temporary or permanent symptoms like weakness, paralysis, impaired speech, loss of vision, memory problems, personality changes, difficulty swallowing, etc.
These symptoms often persist long after a stroke if patients don't receive proper rehabilitation to help them regain the use of their body parts, extending their stroke recovery timetable (sometimes indefinitely) and impacting their quality of life.
Fortunately, new technology for stroke patients is available to help people along their rehabilitation journey and accelerate the stroke recovery timetable.
The Importance of Stroke Rehabilitation
Strokes impact nerve cells in the brain that are responsible for sending signals to control body parts, senses, and cognitive functions. Proper rehabilitation helps stroke patients restore physical ability and promote brain plasticity to make new neural connections.
Stroke rehabilitation helps patients regain cognitive functions and improve their emotional well-being during the long and challenging recovery journey. The process enables patients to regain independence and improve their quality of life.
The Challenges of Stroke Rehabilitation
While proper rehabilitation should be an integral component of any stroke recovery timetable and treatment plan, various hurdles make it challenging to get the best care.
Some patients may have limited access to in-person rehab services, while the need for consistent, intensive therapy makes it challenging for others to get the appropriate care in standard healthcare settings.
Stroke recovery varies significantly among individuals, and many rehab facilities struggle to deliver personalized therapy. Meanwhile, long-term commitment is required to achieve results, yet some patients lose motivation over time.
Luckily, the latest assistive technology for stroke patients can help overcome these challenges, enabling rehab facilities to implement new techniques and patients to stick with their treatment plans while accelerating their stroke recovery timetable.
How New Assistive Technology for Stroke Patients is Changing Stroke Recovery Programs
New technology for stroke patients is changing the face of stroke recovery. Some applications support advanced recovery techniques to help patients increase their neural plasticity, facilitating the brain’s ability to repair itself.
Other new technology for stroke patients focuses on making care more accessible or the recovery journey more engaging, encouraging patients to stay committed to their therapies. Moreover, new software helps care providers process patient data efficiently to track progress and personalize treatment plans.
Let’s explore the most widely used new technology for stroke patients.
1. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
FES uses low-energy electrical pulses to stimulate brain regions involved in motor and cognitive functions. The electric current helps muscles move, gradually restoring their functions while aiding neuroplasticity development. A study found that FES may deliver significant benefits when applied within 2 months of stroke.
2. Video Games
Video games, especially ones that use motion sensing technology, aid stroke recovery by encouraging patients to practice motor skills and eye-hand coordination required for lifting, swinging, grabbing, and more. They also make the rehab process more enjoyable through gamification, improving adherence to treatment plans.
3. Telemedicine and Virtual Reality (VR)
This new assistive technology for stroke patients enables people to access therapy from home during the long recovery journey. VR platforms provide immersive environments for practicing motor and cognitive exercises, while telemedicine allows patients to receive real-time feedback from therapists.
4. Treatment Plan Personalization
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications analyze each patient’s progress and data. Therapists and physicians can use the insights to modify their exercises and adjust therapy intensity to deliver a tailored rehab experience for faster recovery.
5. Intensive Therapy Support
Robotic-assisted therapy devices (e.g., robotic arms or exoskeletons) support repetitive, intensive physical therapy and exercises. They guide patients through prescribed movements while providing support and resistance when appropriate, helping them engage in consistent therapy at higher intensities.
6. Real-Time Progress Tracking
Wearable sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices track real-time metrics like range of motion, muscle activity, and physiological responses. Therapists may use the data to monitor progress, make evidence-based adjustments, and set realistic goals.
Access New Technolgy for Stroke Patients in Alabama
When selecting a stroke rehabilitation facility, ask the provider how it uses assistive technology for stroke patients to deliver personalized, evidence-based treatment. It should provide a holistic care plan to address speech, muscle movements, physical strength, cognitive functions, neurology, and more.
Through Rehab Select’s five convenient locations, stroke patients in Alabama can access personalized, physician-led stroke rehab programs supported by the latest technologies.
Besides using new technology for stroke patients to accelerate recovery, our expert team of rehab specialists, including doctors, nurses, PTs, OTs, dietitians, and mental health providers, is committed to supporting all our patients to resume an independent life.
Learn more about our stroke rehabilitation program and schedule a tour to see best-of-breed technology and treatment in action.
