Stroke Patients Walking Again? How Technology Can Make This a Possibility

An increasing number of people are realizing the effectiveness of incorporating the use of technology into a patient's rehabilitation. Doctors and computer engineers are now working together to develop what are known as "haptic bracelets," which are said to improve the walking of stroke patients.

"There are so many opportunities out there to use technological products and wearables to enhance living," says Dr. Rachel Stockley for the Huffington Post. "This is never more true than when looking at how best to help with rehabilitation after illness or injury," she adds. Dr. Stockley and her team are developing the haptic bracelets in the hopes that it will improve stroke patients' symmetry or evenness whilst walking.

The bracelets work by sensing asymmetry while the patient walks and provides them with rhythmic vibratory cues, which would hopefully help them correct this unevenness. This would be very helpful, as not walking and not going outside has detrimental effects to physical, social, and mental health, says Dr. Stockley.

The haptic bracelets are designed to be discreet and worn on the leg so the y may easily be hidden under, say, a pair of jeans. They are also designed to have easy to use controls, so that the patients themselves can use them on their own and without much need for assistance.

Reports suggest that this technology can help not only with the walking of stroke patients, but also those with other conditions as well. The team behind it hopes to do large-scale testing at the soonest to see the full potential of their product.

Another innovation is the use of stem cells to help treat stroke patients, according to reports from Tech Insider. However, doctors advise patients who are considering using this type of treatment to be wary about possible repercussions, since the results of the tests have yet to be fully proven.