Title : Scientific-technological integration towards the clinical rehabilitation of spinal cord injured individuals
Abstract:
Individuals with spinal cord injury rarely have access to innovative technology. The work presented here has allowed sensorimotor recovery to paraplegics and tetraplegics, in addition to the production of cutting-edge technology for control of upper and lower limbs. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation provides a unique opportunity to recover bipedal walking. Scientific findings and clinical interventions, such as voluntary restoration of patients' locomotion, showed that technology associated with the gait task (nervous system learns through repetition) makes neuroplasticity possible. For upper limbs of tetraplegics, our protocols allow functional gains through a wearable system, including virtual reality. We have also implemented protocols towards improving clinical outcomes. Absence of the sympathetic nervous system causes autonomic dysreflexia, as tetraplegics, generally young adults, are on the path to atherosclerosis, where the carotid is thickens by hypertensive peaks generated by the comorbidity. Gait and physical activity can reduce that thickness. Our protocols for spasticity assessment do show improvements with electrical stimulation. Rehabilitation protocols with innovative technology can allow greater longevity for these patients, minimizing the clinical complications inherent to the pathology.
