This revised, updated, and substantially expanded third edition provides an accessible, practical overview of major areas of research, technical development and clinical application in the field of neurorehabilitation movement therapy. The initial section provides the basic framework and a rationale for technology application in movement therapy by summarizing recent findings in neuroplasticity and motor learning. The following section provides a detailed overview of the movement physiology of various neurologic conditions, illustrating how this knowledge has been used to design various neurorehabilitation technologies. The third section then explains the principles of human-machine interaction for movement rehabilitation. The fourth section provides an overview of assessment technology and predictive modeling in neurorehabilitation. The fifth section provides a survey of technological approaches to neurorehabilitation, including spinal cord stimulation, functional electrical stimulation, virtual reality, wearable sensing, brain computer interfaces, mobile technologies, and telerehabilitation. The final two sections examine in greater detail the ongoing revolution in robotic therapy for upper extremity movement and walking, respectively. The promises and limitations of these technologies in neurorehabilitation are discussed, including an Epilogue which debates the impact and utility of robotics for neurorehabilitation. Throughout the book the chapters provide detailed practical information on state-of-the-art clinical applications of these devices following stroke, spinal cord injury, and other neurologic disorders and future developments in the field. The text is illustrated throughout with photographs and schematic diagrams which serve to clarify the information for the reader. Neurorehabilitation Technology, Third Edition is a valuable resource for neurologists, biomedical engineers, roboticists, rehabilitation specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and those training in these fields. Chapter “Spinal Cord Stimulation to Enable Leg Motor Control and Walking in People with Spinal Cord Injury is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This new book offers an introduction to assistive technology for the beginning therapist. It includes the most current and practical information regarding the selection and use of technology in rehabilitation to improve the client's independence. It will be most appropriate for the reader who has a basic knowledge of rehabilitation as well as a solid foundation of human growth and development. Illustrated.

Intends to examine the focus and aims that drive rehabilitation intervention and technology development. This book addresses the questions of what research is taking place to develop rehabilitation, applied technology and how we have been able to modify and measure responses in both healthy and clinical populations using these technologies.

The book provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in the field of gait and balance rehabilitation. It describes technologies and devices together with the requirements and factors to be considered during their application in clinical settings. The book covers physiological and pathophysiological basis of locomotion and posture control, describes integrated approaches for the treatment of neurological diseases and spinal cord injury, as well as important principles for designing appropriate clinical studies. It presents computer and robotic technologies currently used in rehabilitation, such as exoskeleton devices, functional electrical stimulation, virtual reality and many more, highlighting the main advantages and challenges both from the clinical and engineering perspective. Written in an easy-to-understand style, the book is intended for people with different background and expertise, including medical and engineering students, clinicians and physiotherapists, as well as technical developers of rehabilitation systems and their corresponding human-compute interfaces. It aims at fostering an increased awareness of available technologies for balance and gait rehabilitation, as well as a better communication and collaboration between their users and developers.

Rehabilitation Robotics gives an introduction and overview of all areas of rehabilitation robotics, perfect for anyone new to the field. It also summarizes available robot technologies and their application to different pathologies for skilled researchers and clinicians. The editors have been involved in the development and application of robotic devices for neurorehabilitation for more than 15 years. This experience using several commercial devices for robotic rehabilitation has enabled them to develop the know-how and expertise necessary to guide those seeking comprehensive understanding of this topic. Each chapter is written by an expert in the respective field, pulling in perspectives from both engineers and clinicians to present a multi-disciplinary view. The book targets the implementation of efficient robot strategies to facilitate the re-acquisition of motor skills. This technology incorporates the outcomes of behavioral studies on motor learning and its neural correlates into the design, implementation and validation of robot agents that behave as 'optimal' trainers, efficiently exploiting the structure and plasticity of the human sensorimotor systems. In this context, human-robot interaction plays a paramount role, at both the physical and cognitive level, toward achieving a symbiotic interaction where the human body and the robot can benefit from each other's dynamics. - Provides a comprehensive review of recent developments in the area of rehabilitation robotics - Includes information on both therapeutic and assistive robots - Focuses on the state-of-the-art and representative advancements in the design, control, analysis, implementation and validation of rehabilitation robotic systems

In What Ways Can the Psychology of Perception Contribute to the Development of Rehabilitation Technology? -- The design and evaluation of rehabilitative computer technology for blind people: the need for a multidisciplinary approach -- Session 3.2: Issues on Methodologies II -- Information for People Planning Technical Research for Visually Disabled Persons -- Tools for Living: Design Principles for Rehabilitation Technology -- Networking, Consensus and Awareness -- Evaluation Methodologies for Rehabilitation Technology -- Session 3.3: Accent on User Needs -- User Requirements Capture for Adaptable Smarter Home Technologies -- An Integrated Research Strategy for Improving Communication Systems for Severely Physically Impaired Non-speaking People -- Evaluation of Products which are Intended to Ease the Lives of Elderly People: The Hi-Riser Chair -- Index of Authors

Assistive technology has made it feasible for individuals with a wide range of impairments to engage in many activities, such as education and employment, in ways not previously possible. The key factor is to create consumer-driven technologies that solve the problems by addressing the needs of persons with visual impairments. Assistive Technology for Blindness and Low Vision explores a broad range of technologies that are improving the lives of these individuals. Presenting the current state of the art, this book emphasizes what can be learned from past successful products, as well as what exciting new solutions the future holds. Written by world-class leaders in their field, the chapters cover the physiological bases of vision loss and the fundamentals of orientation, mobility, and information access for blind and low vision individuals. They discuss technology for multiple applications (mobility, wayfinding, information access, education, work, entertainment), including both established technology and cutting-edge research. The book also examines computer and digital media access and the scientific basis for the theory and practice of sensory substitution. This volume provides a holistic view of the elements to consider when designing assistive technology for persons with visual impairment, keeping in mind the need for a user-driven approach to successfully design products that are easy to use, well priced, and fill a specific need. Written for a broad audience, this book provides a comprehensive overview and in-depth descriptions of current technology for designers, engineers, practitioners, rehabilitation professionals, and all readers interested in the challenges and promises of creating successful assistive technology.

The digitalization of society is spreading around the world and technology has become part of many people's daily lives. It acts as a means of communication, work, education and leisure. For populations with special needs (people with some kind of disability or disorder) technology can play an essential role in their rehabilitation and treatment. It also empowers the individuals themselves. The aim of this multi-disciplinary research for decades has been to explore, develop and evaluate innovative technology to aid people with disabilities through virtual reality and associated machinery. The field engages researchers from health sectors, areas of engineering and schools of education to collaborate in order to take on a holistic approach to meet these challenges.

An exploration of the ways in which psychologists and other helping professionals can collaborate with users of assistive technology to help them get the most out of these devices. Thanks in large part to the 20th century's advances in technology, people with disabilities can live independent lives, contribute to their communities, attend regular schools, and work in professional careers as a result of assistive technology. This technological evolution has formented a shift from a medical model to a social model of technology delivery, an approach that puts as much emphasis on the user's community integration as it does on his or her physical capabilities. This change means that those in the field can no longer focus on the delivery of technology as an end in itself, but must go one step further and partner with consumers and communities to ensure that assistive devices are put to their best possible use.