Modern approaches to robotic mechanotherapy with elements of bio-management and telemedicine for the restoration of lost motor functions

At present, motor adaptation and restoration of lost motor functions in a shorter period is an important economic task. Rehabilitation of patients with impaired motor functions is a time-consuming, lengthy and multi-stage process that requires the colossal powers of the instructor, the patient and their environment. Therefore, the use of automated technology can increase the intensity of the therapy and the quality of training in comparison with the classical curative gymnastics without attracting additional funds. Today, a wide range of rehabilitation devices is being manufactured in different countries of the world - from the simplest devices to the most complex diagnostic and robotic complexes using the latest achievements of science and technology. The production of robotic mech-anotherapy complexes, without a doubt, is a science-intensive and high-tech production. Unfortunately, for today, the demand for such products is only growing. Modern approaches to robotic mechanotherapy with elements of biocontrol and telemedicine aimed at restoring lost motor functions, along with competitive advantages, have a number of limitations. Thus, a comparative analysis of the functional capabilities of these simulators has shown a number of limitations for their wide application. First, the high cost of robotic multi-joint complexes, as well as the need for specially equipped premises for their placement, is worth noting. Cost-effective simulators costing up to $ 17 million differ in accessibility and ease of use, but they are intended for the formation of "flat" movements, which only partially reflects the anatomical and physiological characteristics of motion in the joints, since there is no possibility of rotations. There is no possibility of two devices working for the use of a healthy limb in the process of recovery, there is no possibility of simultaneous use of additional factors of physiotherapy that contribute to the restoration of functions (for example, heat therapy or vibration therapy), and there is no possibility to use telemetry and telemedicine technologies. A similar analysis of the functionality of verticalizers and mobile complexes has also revealed a number of limitations. Undoubtedly, robotic multi-joint verticalizers have a high cost and expensive maintenance. Economically accessible verticalizers are most often intended for the rehabilitation of children. They are small in size and move the body in space in a range from 0 to 90 degrees and are not equipped with additional functions. Most often verticalizers are aimed at rehabilitation of the lower extremities, and the upper limbs are not involved. Multifunctional complexes for the rehabilitation of upper and lower limbs simultaneously require a separate room, as well as the purchase of additional modules, which further increases their cost. The lack of a simple interface also complicates the use of these complexes at home. However, the undoubted advantage of robot therapy is a higher quality of training than classical gymnastics due to their longer duration, the accuracy of repetitive cyclic movements, the constant training program, the availability of tools for assessing the success of the sessions with the possibility of demonstrating to the patient, etc.

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