AHA Recommends Robot-Assisted Movement Training And Virtual Reality For Stroke Rehabilitation

NORWELL, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For patients and therapists, believing in the benefits state-of-the-art robotic medical devices bring to the table is one thing. But having your beliefs incorporated into the official practice guidelines by associations of experts and authorities in the field is something entirely different.

“Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery”

Yet this is exactly what is happening. The newest Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) were recently published. The following statements can be found in this important publication¹:

Robot-assisted movement training, to improve motor function and mobility after stroke in combination with conventional therapy, is beneficial for patients.

Robot-assisted gait training is specifically beneficial for patients who are non-ambulatory or have low ambulatory ability early after stroke.

Combining robot-assisted gait training with virtual reality can further be beneficial for the improvement of gait.

Scientific studies back the statements the AHA/ASA are putting forth. The end goal is to provide a synopsis of best clinical practices in the rehabilitative care of adults recovering from stroke; and Hocoma fully agrees with these statements and recommendations.

Hocoma, the world leader in developing advanced medical solutions and inventor of the most-trusted robotic gait trainer, firmly believes their Lokomat helps. On one hand, patients can train more accurately and more intensively, and on the other, therapists can simplify their workflow and assessment of patient progress. And the fact that these beliefs are not only being embraced by the institutions in the field, but are also supported by more than 250 published scientific papers, is an important step forward for rehabilitation therapy.

¹ References:

"Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery"
http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/early/2016/05/04/STR.0000000000000098.full.pdf+html?sid=7f40d463-5fde-43bd-aa07-ea26dc5a2fb1

"First-Ever AHA/ASA Stroke Rehab Guidelines Support IRFs, Interprofessional Approaches"
http://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/News/2016/5/10/StrokeRehabPracticeGuidelines/

About Hocoma

A successful therapy begins in patients’ heads. In the firm belief that – step by step – they can reach their goals and regain quality of life.

This is what we work for at the Swiss medtech company Hocoma. With technologies and ideas that look at functional movement therapy from a completely different angle. Because they enable independent exercises and create maximum motivation. Because they challenge people to take courage and support their hopes with personal achievements.

We are committed to creating the ideal therapy. Our awarded robotic and sensor-based devices offer solutions for intensive gait therapy (Lokomat®, Andago®), functional therapy of the upper extremities (Armeo®), robotic mobilization and functional electrical stimulation in early rehabilitation (Erigo®) as well as functional movement therapy within low back pain treatment (Valedo® Therapy Concept) at home and at the clinic. They are the result of intensive research, consistent development and continuous exchange with patients, therapists and partners in research and science.

Those who see to break new grounds need to stay open to exceptional ideas. They have the potential of being exceptionally effective. This guiding principle by Hocoma founder and CEO Dr. Gery Colombo has accompanied us since our start in 2000 and is still lived and implemented by our dedicated employees around the world. Hocoma is headquartered in Volketswil near Zurich, Switzerland with subsidiaries in the USA, Singapore and Slovenia.

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Use only under the supervision of qualified medical personnel. However, certain Hocoma products are marketed for home use and must be strictly used according to the recommendations of your medical care provider who is knowledgeable about your specific needs. Consult the User Manual and Hocoma’s website (www.hocoma.com/legalnotes) for appropriate product designation. Failure to obtain and follow the recommendations of your medical care provider may result in serious personal injury.

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