Repository logo
 

Advanced rehabilitation technology in orthopaedics—a narrative review

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Change log

Authors

Kuroda, Yuichi 
Young, Matthew 
Shoman, Haitham 
Punnoose, Anuj 
Norrish, Alan R. 

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: As the demand for rehabilitation in orthopaedics increases, so too has the development in advanced rehabilitation technology. However, to date, there are no review papers outlining the broad scope of advanced rehabilitation technology used within the orthopaedic population. The aim of this study is to identify, describe and summarise the evidence for efficacy for all advanced rehabilitation technologies applicable to orthopaedic practice. Methods: The relevant literature describing the use of advanced rehabilitation technology in orthopaedics was identified from appropriate electronic databases (PubMed and EMBASE) and a narrative review undertaken. Results: Advanced rehabilitation technologies were classified into two groups: hospital-based and home-based rehabilitation. In the hospital-based technology group, we describe the use of continuous passive motion and robotic devices (after spinal cord injury) and their effect on improving clinical outcomes. We also report on the use of electromagnetic sensor technology for measuring kinematics of upper and lower limbs during rehabilitation. In the home-based technology group, we describe the use of inertial sensors, smartphones, software applications and commercial game hardware that are relatively inexpensive, user-friendly and widely available. We outline the evidence for videoconferencing for promoting knowledge and motivation for rehabilitation as well as the emerging role of virtual reality. Conclusions: The use of advanced rehabilitation technology in orthopaedics is promising and evidence for its efficacy is generally supportive.

Description

Funder: University of Cambridge

Keywords

Review Article, Rehabilitation, Technology, Orthopaedics, Telerehabilitation

Journal Title

International Orthopaedics

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0341-2695
1432-5195

Volume Title

45

Publisher

Springer Berlin Heidelberg