New Stroke Recovery Technology Offers Hope to Survivors

Scientists are testing new technology involving brain-computer interface and robotics technology to help stroke survivors recover lost sensory and motor function, particularly in gain movement in their hands following a stroke.

When this technology gains completion and generally proves helpful to survivors, there will be more options that patients can choose from for stroke therapy in Miami. This new technology gives hope even to those who have long lost partial mobility after a stroke many years back.

The experts behind the development of this new innovative computer technology shared that in their preliminary findings, one participant has finally experienced movement in her thumb for the first time in 41 years following the stroke. This finding shows how amazing the human brain works and how improvement and healing are possible when provided the right environment.

Many may have heard about the golden window for stroke rehabilitation. Healthcare providers recommend starting your rehabilitation and physical therapy efforts within the first six months following the stroke or while you’re at the acute and sub-acute stages. This innovative computer technology can potentially revolutionize stroke therapy in Miami and worldwide once it becomes readily available.

How does this innovative technology work?

The new technology aims to communicate between the body and the brain in stroke survivors. This will require the patient to wear an EEG (electroencephalogram) cap with electrodes that transmit commands using computer software to the robotic hands that are attached and connected to the patient’s fingers.

When the patient intends to move their fingers, the scalp’s surface records the brain’s electrical activity. The software then relays this intention to move into a signal which gives the command to the robotic hands to extend the desired finger accordingly.

Developers of this innovative technology are also considering it to help stroke survivors and those who suffered from brain injuries. However, further research is needed.

Other tools or equipment that recovering stroke patients can use

While waiting for all data gathered to be analyzed and the complete report published about this innovative computer technology, stroke survivors can continue with the currently proven methods and use gadgets for rehabilitation and physical therapy to aid in their continuous recovery. Some examples of the tools and equipment used in stroke therapy in Miami include the following:  

Stationary Recumbent Bikes

A stationary recumbent bike is a great tool to build up stroke survivors’ skills for walking. Bikes encourage bilateral movement, which is helpful for individuals with hemiparesis or those who cannot move on one side of the body. This is because, through biking, the non-affected leg can help the affected leg. Your brain gets stimulated when you do this, so it’s great for rehabilitation. In addition, stationary recumbent bikes offer more support and gentler exercise for stroke survivors.

Stability Balls

This stroke rehab equipment is simple and relatively safe for core rehab exercises. A strong core can help stroke survivors improve their balance and walking ability.

Dumbbells and Wrist/Ankle Weights

Strength training is equally important for stroke survivors to help with potential muscle atrophy due to inactivity. Dumbbells and weights are simple and cost-efficient options to stimulate muscle growth.

Electrical Stimulation Machine

An electrical stimulation machine is helpful for stroke survivors with paralysis on one side of the body or those with severe muscle weakness. This machine is effective and evidence-based, and it works by attaching the pads to the skin in the desired area, where it will send gentle electrical stimulation to make the muscles contract.

This helps in stimulating the brain and introducing movement to paralyzed muscles again. You will need a therapist to guide you on how to use and safely operate this equipment on your own. In their journey to stroke therapy in Miami, patients may reach out to iAM ABLE for guidance.

Hand Exercise Balls with Extension Add-On

You can either use the typical hand exercise balls that look like your usual stress balls or those with an extension add-on that comes with finger loops to help practice flexion and extension.

Lifestyle tips for recovering patients

For some people, having a stroke is a wake-up call and a second chance to correct bad habits that contributed to the development of the first one. So to help you live with less worries about a second stroke and to support all your recovery efforts, here are some simple tips you can start doing today:

• Get regular exercise – Physical activity can improve your health and fitness.
• Don’t smoke – Smoking damages and tightens blood vessels, increasing your risk of stroke.
• Regulate alcohol consumption – Stroke survivors should ask the doctor first when it is safe to drink alcohol again.
• Keep a healthy weight – Excess weight increases your risk for another stroke.
• Manage your cholesterol – Make sure you consume more heart-healthy foods.
• Healthy sleeping habits – Your body needs to rest, and a restful night’s sleep supports healthy blood circulation.
• Manage stress – Stress management is tricky but possible. Learning this is important, especially in your journey to recovery.
• Improve your nutrition – A healthy diet supports a healthy weight too. Consume more whole foods and avoid processed foods and those with high sugar, salt, and fat content.
• Pay attention to your mental health – A stroke can also challenge your health, so seek professional help when necessary.
• Control your blood pressure– High blood pressure significantly contributes to strokes. To help prevent another stroke, keeping your blood pressure to normal levels is necessary.
• Undergo physical therapy – Gentle and guided physical activities with your therapist can make a huge difference in your stroke recovery journey. So, we strongly recommend working with a professional therapist like our team members at iAM ABLE.
• Talk to your doctor – guidance from your doctor is needed for you to learn other ways to stay healthy and prevent another stroke. You will also need regular monitoring of your heart activity.

Be Patient and Trust the Process of Your Stroke Therapy in Miami

It is understandable for stroke survivors to be frustrated and think their efforts are not going anywhere. However, the journey to recovery can sometimes be long and exhausting, and you must learn to be extra patient, let go, and trust the process.

Life will never be the same for you and your loved ones as you are now facing new challenges. However, embracing your second chance in life can help you move forward and thrive better. We at iAM ABLE understand this long physical and emotional battle, and we want to be there for you outside our therapy center, so we made this book to guide you in your journey to stroke recovery.

It’s a free downloadable eBook that we hope can be instrumental for you to find healing and motivation in this new journey. Additionally, you may visit our fitness center to begin planning your stroke therapy in Miami.

Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.