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Abstract

Gait impairments: new technologies integrated into the
traditional individual rehabilitation plan

published in September - October 2020 - in Il Fisioterapista - issue n.5
Maria Elena Collina, Francesca Tombolini

Robotic technology provides an effective response to the needs in the various stages of rehabilitation: from early patient mobilization post-surgery to the initial stages of the gait cycle. This has led to the most refined “wearable robotics”, developed as a potential substitute for residual neurological deficits that prevent the return to walking. Based on evidence from the literature on the principles of neuroplasticity, the Santo Stefano Rehabilitation Institute in Porto Potenza Picena employs robotic neurorehabilitation as part of its daily routine, integrated into the traditional rehabilitation plan. It is able to do this thanks to the availability of different robotic systems, and certified personnel. Each patient is prescribed a personalized rehabilitation plan, shared by the entire rehabilitation team. This method has proved to be effective in terms of early patient mobilization, recovery of the walking ability and patient satisfaction, as well as an increased quality of life of the patient. The aim of this study was to create a protocol to assess the effectiveness of this combined, team-based and standardized treatment.