Rehabilitation Exoskeletons: Functional Diagnosis and Postoperative Therapy for Enhanced Assisted Mobility
In recent years, rehabilitation exoskeletons have emerged as a promising tool in the field of assisted mobility. These devices, which combine advanced technology with biomechanical principles, are designed to enhance functional recovery in patients who have undergone surgeries or injuries affecting their ability to move. The integration of exoskeletons in postoperative therapy offers new opportunities to optimize clinical outcomes and improve patients' quality of life.
The use of exoskeletons in postoperative rehabilitation focuses on functional diagnosis and mobility enhancement. A recent study evaluated the feasibility of robot-assisted exercise in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. The results showed that the use of the exoskeleton Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) facilitated a faster and more effective recovery of knee flexion compared to conventional physical therapy. Patients who used the HAL experienced significant improvements in both active and passive range of motion, as well as in muscle strength and pain intensity.
Another study explored the use of exoskeletons in the early passive mobilization of flexor tendon injuries in the hand. The results indicated that the use of an exoskeleton provided comparable outcomes to traditional physical therapy, with no clinically relevant differences in range of motion or grip strength. This finding suggests that exoskeletons may be a viable and safe alternative in the postoperative therapy of flexor tendon injuries (see study).
In conclusion, rehabilitation exoskeletons represent a significant innovation in the realm of postoperative therapy. Their ability to enhance functional diagnosis and facilitate assisted mobility offers considerable potential to transform traditional rehabilitation approaches. As technology continues to advance, we are likely to see even greater integration of these devices in clinical practice, benefiting an increasing number of patients on their path to recovery.
Referencias
- [1] Feasibility of supplemental robot-assisted knee flexion exercise following total knee arthroplasty.
- [2] Early functional passive mobilization of flexor tendon injuries of the hand (zone 2): Exercise with an exoskeleton compared to physical therapy.
Created 24/1/2025