How rehab robots help aid patient recovery
Brain stimulation techniques, robots which help recovery after stroke and motion capture sensors that monitor hand movements are just some of the cutting-edge research projects that will be on display at a special event this week.
The Rehabilitation and Health Technologies (RHT) Research Group at the University of Southampton develops and evaluates how technology can be used to help people recover from debilitating conditions.
Today,Thursday 4 July, the group will hold a special event demonstrating some of their latest ground-breaking research, which is helping hundreds of people across the south.
Visitors will have the chance to interact with current research projects and try out the different devices being used. Researchers will also be available to demonstrate and answer questions.
Examples include:
- Ultrasound imaging of how muscles contract. This research aims to develop ultrasound for routine assessment to help make rehabilitation of muscles more effective. Visitors will have the opportunity to see their own muscles on a big screen
- Seeing how Brain Stimulation (tDCS) helps people complete cognitive and movement tasks simultaneously. Visitors will get the chance to test their skill at completing two games concurrently and watch a demonstration of brain stimulation
- Virtual games. Visitors will have the chance to play games while in an arm robot used to help people regain arm function after a stroke
- A demonstration of ‘SIMman’, a computer controlled mannequin that can simulate a whole range of conditions, and how it is used to help students learn about treating people with breathing problems
The University of Southampton runs clinical trials to evaluate this type of technology and assess how it can help people. Areas of research include recovery from stroke, arthritis and podiatry.
Professor Jane Burridge, Head of RHT and Professor of Restorative Neuroscience, says: “The University of Southampton is home to some amazing research which is currently helping many people recover from or manage debilitating conditions such as stoke, Parkinson’s or MS. We want to invite members of the public and our fellow health professionals to come and see what we have to offer. We especially want to hear from people who may be interested in taking part in one of our trials.”
The event runs from 3pm until 6pm in Building 45 of the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus.
More information about RHT can be found at https://www.southampton.ac.uk/rht/