Wearable Robotic Medical Technology : ALS Medical Technology
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Robotic Wearable Technology for ALS Patients Developed by Harvard Researchers
The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) developed a soft robotic wearable technology for patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The wearable functions as a robotic arm brace that helps improve range of motion and daily performance by using a sensor to detect residual movement in the arm and calculates the pressurization of the balloon actuator to move the patient’s arm.
Overview
The wearable technology functions by using a sensor that detects residual movement in the arm and calculates the pressurization of the balloon actuator to move the patient’s arm, which can patient’s improve range of motion and daily performance. The technology is shaped like a shirt associated with inflatable balloon-shaped actuators underneath the armpit. The material is made out of soft fabric and is light in weight to allow comfort for patients. This current prototype is only able to function on patients who still have little residual movements in their shoulder area.
Headings
– What is ALS?
– How does the soft robotic wearable technology work?
– Advantages of Using Soft Robotic Wearable Technology for ALS Patients
– Patient Comfort and Safety
– Development and Progress
– FAQs
What is ALS?
ALS or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal disorder that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The disease is progressive, meaning it worsens over time, causing muscles to weaken and waste away. The condition often leads to complete paralysis, making it impossible to move or control muscles. Unfortunately, there is no cure for ALS, and patients need assistive medical devices to help them manage their disease adequately.
How does the soft robotic wearable technology work?
The soft robotic wearable technology developed by Harvard researchers is a robotic arm brace that detects residual movement in the arm and calculates the pressurization of the balloon actuator to move the patient’s arm. The technology is shaped like a shirt, with inflatable balloon-shaped actuators underneath the armpit.
The mechanism works by using a sensor that detects muscle activity in the shoulder area, even in patients with minimal residual movement. The detected muscle activity then triggers the balloon-shaped actuators located on the upper arm, which moves the arm or elbow, thus helping patients to perform daily activities such as brushing their teeth, combing their hair, or feeding themselves.
Advantages of Using Soft Robotic Wearable Technology for ALS Patients
The use of soft robotic wearable technology in ALS patients has many advantages. First, it helps patients to perform daily activities that they were previously unable to do or struggling to perform due to lost muscle movement. The technology also promotes physical exercise and may prevent joints from locking up or becoming stiff due to lack of movement.
Second, the soft robotic wearable technology is designed to be lightweight and comfortable, making it easy for patients to wear it throughout the day without discomfort. The soft fabric and inflatable balloon-shaped actuators minimize skin irritation and prevent pressure ulcers or other skin injuries. This increases patient safety and reduces the need for frequent re-positioning or adjusting.
Patient Comfort and Safety
The soft robotic wearable technology is designed with patient comfort and safety in mind. The researchers used soft fabrics and inflatable balloon-shaped actuators to ensure the device is light in weight and comfortable to wear, thus reducing chances of skin irritation, pressure ulcers or other skin injuries. The device is easy to wear throughout the day without causing discomfort, and the materials used to create the wearable technology also increase patient safety.
Development and Progress
The Harvard researchers plan to continue working on the development of the soft robotic wearable technology to include lower limb activity. The researchers hope to create wearable technology that will act as a robotic lower limb brace for ALS patients, enhancing their mobility and the quality of their lives. This is a significant step for ALS patients who are unable to move or control their lower limbs, as it will aid in their movements and daily activities.
FAQs
Q: Can the soft robotic wearable technology cure ALS?
A: Unfortunately, there is no cure for ALS, and the technology only helps patients to manage their disease better by aiding their movements.
Q: Can the wearable technology be used by all ALS patients?
A: The current prototype is only functional for patients who still have minimal residual movement in their shoulder area. However, the researchers hope to expand the technology to include lower limb activity that could help a more extensive range of patients.
Q: How long will the wearable last?
A: The wearable is designed to be lightweight and durable. However, the wearable’s lifespan ultimately depends on the frequency of use and the quality of maintenance.
Q: How do patients control the device?
A: The device is self-triggered; this means, as the sensor detects residual movement, the wearable automatically responds by initiating the necessary movements.
Q: Can anyone buy the technology?
A: Currently, the soft robotic wearable technology is still in the research and development stage, so it is not yet available for purchase in the market.
Conclusion
The development of robotic wearable technology has already made significant strides in healthcare. The soft robotic wearable technology developed by Harvard researchers is a great step in providing a solution to ALS patient needs. The device has shown immediate benefits to ALS patients, and the researchers hope to provide a viable solution that would lend better mobility to ALS patients, and improve their quality of life.
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