Exoskeleton in neurological physiotherapy

Posted on 03/04/2025 by Carina Salgueiro

The exoskeleton

The exoskeleton is an innovative technological tool that has transformed the field of physiotherapy in neurorehabilitation. Under the guidance of physiotherapists specialized in neurological rehabilitation, the exoskeleton provides support and assistance in the recovery of motor functions in patients with various neurological pathologies. This robotic device, designed to adapt to the human body, facilitates movement and promotes the rehabilitation of balance and gait efficiently and safely. Although studies mainly focus on people with spinal cord injury, there is also scientific evidence of its effectiveness in other nervous system diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and stroke.

 

Neurological conditions

The exoskeleton can be used for various neurological conditions that affect mobility. The most common include cerebrovascular accident (CVA or stroke), spinal cord injury (complete or incomplete), multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. In these cases, the exoskeleton helps improve gait, balance, and coordination — aspects that are often compromised in these conditions. It can also be applied to patients with cerebral palsy and those who have suffered severe muscle weakness due to prolonged periods of immobility.

 

Minimum conditions

Certain minimum conditions must be met to use the exoskeleton in a neurorehabilitation physiotherapy program. First, the patient must have sufficient muscle strength and postural control to maintain a stable position with assistance (for example, being able to support themselves with a walker using their arms). It is also essential that the skin is free of injuries or ulcers in the areas of contact with the device to avoid complications. In addition, a prior medical evaluation is required to determine the patient’s suitability, considering factors such as weight, height, and the presence of spasticity, structural alterations, rigidity, or severe contractures that could interfere with the exoskeleton’s operation.

 

Benefits

The use of the exoskeleton offers multiple benefits in the neurorehabilitation process. Its main advantages include:

  • Promotes neuroplasticity by encouraging the reorganization of neural connections through a significant increase in the repetition of guided and assisted gait movements.
  • Improves muscle strength, joint range, and physical endurance by mobilizing the patient’s segments, especially the lower limbs.
  • Enhances blood circulation and prevents complications associated with immobility, such as osteoporosis and thrombosis.
  • Boosts the patient’s motivation by providing a more interactive and tangible experience of their progress.

In conclusion, the exoskeleton represents a valuable tool in neurorehabilitation, particularly in the field of physiotherapy, offering support and recovery opportunities to patients with various neurological pathologies. Its use, under appropriate conditions, provides physical, neurological, and emotional benefits, significantly improving patients’ quality of life.

Prominent Women in Physiotherapy: A Tribute on International Working Women’s Day

Posted on 03/08/2024 by Carina Salgueiro

Today, on March 8, 2024, we commemorate International Working Women’s Day, a fitting occasion to recognize and pay tribute to women who have made a significant impact in various professional fields. In this context, we cannot overlook the profound contribution of women in the realm of physiotherapy.
Dorothea Erxleben, whose name may sound unfamiliar to some, was a trailblazer as the first female physician. In her thesis, she investigated the reasons why women avoided pursuing university education, marking a milestone in the history of medicine.
In the field of physiotherapy, it is not just one remarkable woman but a group of British nurses who, in the late 19th century, founded the “Society of Trained Masseuses,” led by Rosalind Page. At that time, physiotherapy lacked recognition and was primarily practiced by doctors and nurses.

As we enter the 20th century, the name Elizabeth Kenny resonates more familiarly. Her revolutionary contribution to addressing children affected by polio left an indelible mark, being referenced not only in medical circles but also immortalized in novels and films about the disease.
Olive Frances Guthrie Smith is another notable figure in the history of physiotherapy. During World War I, she worked with soldiers affected in combat and introduced the therapy of suspended movement.
In the mid-20th century, several female names emerged that solidified physiotherapy as a recognized profession in the fields of medicine and health. Françoise Mezieres, the creator of the Mezier concept for the treatment of muscular chains; Florence Kendell and Lucille Daniels, who developed tests to assess the muscular system; and Catherine Worthington, the mind behind the concept of therapeutic exercise.

Delving into the field of neurological physiotherapy, we find the name of physiotherapist Berta Bobath, who, along with her husband, devised the Bobath Concept. This approach is renowned for the treatment of neurological diseases such as Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, and other less common conditions.

In Spain, we have references such as Bettina Paeth, a German physiotherapist who introduced the Bobath Concept and founded our center. We also highlight Marisa Frontera, a reference in applying the Bobath Concept in the physiotherapeutic treatment of children with neurological diseases.

The list of influential women in the world of physiotherapy is extensive and continues to grow. At the Neurorehabilitation Clinic, we pay tribute to all the pioneers of physiotherapy, firmly believing in the motto: ‘Investing in women: accelerating progress.'”