Research and development of new rehabilitation therapy and rehabilitation robot for stroke hemiplegia
Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences
Advanced Therapeutics Course
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
Kagoshima University Hospital Rehabilitation Center
Professor
SHIMODOZONO Megumi
Associate Professor
ETOH Seiji
Background and objectives of activities
In a society of longevity, an important issue is the increase of healthy life expectancy, which can be said to be "I am glad I have been alive long". Brain injuries such as stroke often result in motor impairments such as hemiplegia. The development and implementation of more effective rehabilitation therapies are expected to help people return to their homes and to society.
Summary of Activities
Recently developed in this field, "Prompt Repetition Therapy" is a new exercise therapy for hemiplegia caused by stroke. At the University Hospital Rehabilitation Center, this is positioned as the basic motor therapy, and physical stimuli such as heat, electricity, vibration, and magnetic stimulation are used in combination in a new way to further functional recovery. Furthermore, robotization of these rehabilitation methods will be studied through medical-engineering and industry-academia collaborations, and will be commercialized and applied to clinical practice.
Expected Benefits
This project aims to develop efficient rehabilitation treatment methods and to foster medical professionals and researchers who can put these methods into practice, thereby promoting the development of regional medical care. Furthermore, it is hoped that the application of Japan's excellent engineering technology will lead to industrial development.