Engineering And Society: Rehabilitation Engineering. Report Sample

Rehabilitation engineering bases its origins on biomechanical, bio-robotic and neural engineering since it relies heavily on neurological conditions and physical body functions. It involves the creation of methods and technologies that help patients regain motor and cognitive functions. It aids patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or those who have suffered from head trauma, stroke or recovering from spinal injuries (EMBS).
The nervous system requires repetitive learning known as muscle memory to plan ahead for specific movements such as riding a bicycle or kicking a ball. In patients with brain damage, the muscles experience temporary or complete amnesia that makes planned movements difficult to learn. This arises due to damage on the body’s neurocircuits making communications be rerouted on different channels, and thus requiring motor functions to be relearned (EMBS).
Researchers at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard are looking for ways to retrain the nervous system using interactive technology where patients interact with virtual environments designed to aid cognitive learning and motor responses. This therapy provides the patient with a familiar environment that aids in motor and cognitive learning. The researchers are also using the ArmeoSpring® robotic exoskeleton to improve arm movement for stroke patients. The patient’s arm fits into the exoskeleton which provides gravitational support thus encouraging greater mobility. The range of motion can be monitored and controlled during patient interaction with several video games that promote rehabilitation. The exoskeleton is coupled with appropriate game software to aid therapy for children suffering from cerebral palsy (Hocoma).

Works Cited:

EMBS, 'Biorobotics - IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society'. Embs.org. N.p., 2015. Web. 23 Mar. 2015.
EMBS, 'Rehabilitation Engineering - IEEE Engineering in Medicine & Biology Society'. Embs.org. N.p., 2015. Web. 23 Mar. 2015.
Hocoma,. 'Armeo Therapy Concept - Hocoma'. Hocoma.com. N.p., 2015. Web. 23 Mar. 2015.