Recovery of upper extremities after a stroke or severe injuries takes many months, sometimes even years and requires constant attention from high-level specialists.
The new stationary robotic rehabilitation system based on the principles used in the design of exoskeletons and called Harmony SHR (scapulohumeral) will significantly increase the efficiency of patients’ recovery. The system was developed by Harmony Bionics, Texas.
The SHR system is designed for early rehabilitation after a stroke and provides comprehensive therapy for both hands, while providing effective support for the patient’s body during the sit-in procedure. The SHR device can also be used in recovery from injuries sustained as a result of shoulder dislocation.
The anatomically selected Harmony SHR design mimics the natural range of movement of the patient’s shoulder-blade during the therapy. When mechanical manipulators are connected to the patient’s hands, a soft ligament is used, which makes it possible to maintain synchronized movement of the limbs in accordance with individual programmed restorative complexes of exercises.
The use of a mechanical trainer will relieve the doctor of the need to do the hard work of rehabilitation. Previously, doctors were forced to perform hand support and coordination of their movements during manual recovery. The use of SHR will also increase the intensity and accuracy of remedial exercises.
Another feature of the SHR apparatus is the ability of the patient to train disabled limbs on his own. In the case of a one-way injury to the upper limbs, the patient will be able to record and reproduce the movements of the healthy arm to control the stroke-affected arm. During rehabilitation after dislocations, the SHR system will allow recovery therapy to be conducted in a sparing, relaxed mode, eliminating the risks of re-trauma.
