4 minute read
NEXT-GEN NEURO-REHAB
from NR Times issue 23
RehabHub™
next-gen neuro-rehab
Advertisement
With its creation of a suite of sector-leading robotic rehabilitation technology, Fourier Intelligence is helping to push the boundaries of what is possible for a patient's recovery.
And by bringing these cutting-edge robotic devices for both upper and lower limb therapy together through the development of the RehabHub™, neuro-rehab is being stepped up further still. By collecting a patient's data in real-time, clinicians are given new levels of insight into their recovery and progress, enabling them to tailor more bespoke programmes than ever before. And in a unique innovation, RehabHub™ offers the potential for patients to play against each other while on different devices, using the gamification options offered by Fourier Intelligence's robotics to deliver a new kind of interconnectivity to traditional rehabilitation - making rehab fun while also maximising patient input and outcomes.
Launched in 2020, the RehabHub™ concept - which began in Fourier Intelligence's native Singapore - is now in countries worldwide. Globally, there are more than 200 RehabHubs in operation, including the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, STEPS Rehabilitation in the UK and the Yongchi Rehabilitation Hospital in China, one of the most advanced rehab sites in the country. "The RehabHub™ is helping to deliver better patient insight than ever before, supporting clinicians to give the highest quality of rehabilitation and enabling patients to secure the best possible outcomes," says Zen Koh, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fourier Intelligence Global. "The group therapy concept, which allows patients to play against each other, adds something new into neuro-rehabilitation, making rehab enjoyable and engaging while increasing motivation and inspiring best performance. "We are adding new RehabHub™ sites continually around the world, enabling more patients than ever before to experience our suite of robotic devices through our costeffective approach and partnerships with key sites globally." "This is a new approach to rehabilitation, and one which we are so pleased is being welcomed with such excitement and enthusiasm." RehabHub™ brings together the suite of devices from the Motus series, which collectively give a comprehensive rehabilitation solution covering the upper limb and lower limb, wrist joint and ankle joint, as well as balance and coordination. This approach covers the diverse training needs of all patients and accommodates their condition and unique needs at whatever stage of their recovery. Fourier Intelligence's robots have advanced force feedback technology, which can effectively simulate a therapist's hand and offer on-demand assistance to the patient during training - optimising their participation in exercise. Its creation of a digital platform for patients and therapists to chart their progress also enables the interconnectivity of equipment, users, and institutions. This gives the ability for challenges and friendly competition within a patient group, inspiring the best possible engagement and maximum repetitions with a rehabilitation session. "Our mission at Fourier Intelligence from the outset has been to make a difference to patients' lives and to maximise their potential in their recovery," says Zen. "We also want to push the boundaries of what is possible in conventional rehabilitation and use our technology to make positive change." "Through our RehabHub™, that is made more accessible than ever before. We have worked with world-leading researchers, therapists, and patients to develop these solutions and to help inspire a new way of thinking in rehabilitation."
ArmMotus™ EMU
The ArmMotus™ EMU is the world's first 3D back-drivable upper limb rehabilitation robot, setting a new benchmark for intelligent rehabilitation devices. The robot, launched last year, has been hailed as having the potential to redefine humanmachine interaction and help set a new course in rehabilitation. The device adopts an innovative cable-driven mechanism, combined with a parallel structure made of lightweight carbon fibre rods, which reduces the friction and inertia of the device. This enables the control system to respond and execute more efficiently, resulting in higher compliance in work between the patient and machine. Its use of force feedback technology enables the device to simulate the therapist's hand, supporting the user to adjust the assistance or resistance according to different rehabilitation needs. The ArmMotus™ EMU also allows training in sitting and standing positions and accommodating different training arms. By integrating different scenarios in a game, users can train on strength, motor control, and joint ROM in one session, making the process more efficient.
ExoMotus™ M4
The ExoMotus™ M4 uses robotic and sensorbased technology to give a comfortable and safe environment for gait training. The device had an integrated balancing support frame to enable patients with lower limb impairments to stand and walk to increase their activity level and help to regulate gait patterns. Gait parameters are individualised, depending on the patient’s need, meaning it can be used at any stage of recovery and adapted accordingly. Users can perform sit-to-stand training early in rehabilitation to promote sensory input, improve cardiopulmonary function, and prevent muscle atrophy.