Necessity of early-stage verticalization in patients with brain and spinal cord injuries: Preliminary study.

Necessity of early-stage verticalization in patients with brain and spinal cord injuries: Preliminary study. Technol Health Care. 2018 May 18;: Authors: Daunoraviciene K, Adomaviciene A, Svirskis D, Griškevičius J, Juocevicius A Abstract BACKGROUND: Integration of the verticalization robot, Erigo, with functional electric stimulation and passive leg movements in the postacute rehabilitation of neurological patients could reduce the risk of secondary complications and improve functional outcomes (i.e. orthostatic hypotension, postural control and walking ability). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate and quantify changes in the postacute stage, mainly related to heart rate and blood pressure in functional recovery, postural parameters, walking ability and psychoemotional reactions, during training using the verticalization robot Erigo. METHODS: Six patients [three suffering from a stroke (ST) and three with spinal cord injuries (SCI)] participated in 10 sessions of physical therapy with the verticalization robot during primary inpatient rehabilitation. Functional state changes were assessed using clinical tests before and after the treatment, and the loading tolerance during Erigo training was noted. RESULTS: In early rehabilitation, Erigo training was safe and effective at improving orthostatic tolerance, posture and positive emotional reactions in both the ST and SCI patients (P< 0.05). In ad...
Source: Technology and Health Care - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: Technol Health Care Source Type: research