The use of technology in rehabilitation with David Putrino

At the #ISPRM2024 congress in Sydney, Dr. David Putrino from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai delivered a keynote lecture on “The Use of Technology in Rehabilitation.” In a post-lecture interview with Dr. Muhammad Tawab Khalil, Dr. Putrino highlighted the transformative potential of emerging technologies in the rehabilitation field, focusing on invasive neurostimulation, brain-computer interfaces, and smart home rehabilitation systems.

Promising Technologies in Rehabilitation

Dr. Putrino identified several promising technologies reshaping rehabilitation practices. He emphasized invasive neurostimulation technologies, such as epidural spinal stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation, which have shown significant improvements in patients with chronic motor dysfunction. “We’re seeing a complete paradigm shift in outcomes that weren’t possible years ago,” he stated, highlighting the remarkable recovery in patients who previously had limited mobility.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) also stand out as a revolutionary advancement. Dr. Putrino discussed clinical trials with BCIs like Synchron, which offer new hope for individuals with severe quadriplegia or locked-in syndrome. These technologies enable patients to interact with their environment in ways previously unimaginable.

Integration of Technology and Home-Based Rehabilitation

Another exciting development is the integration of neurostimulation with smart home rehabilitation technologies. Dr. Putrino explained the potential for combining these with tele-rehabilitation systems, allowing patients to perform exercises at home with real-time feedback. “This gamified environment with smart sensors offers a significant step forward,” he noted, emphasizing the convenience and accessibility of home-based rehab solutions.

Impact on Patient Outcomes

Dr. Putrino shared his optimism about the visible and impactful outcomes these technologies provide. He described cases where patients regained significant motor functions, such as walking or shaking hands, thanks to these advanced interventions. “When someone can walk up to you when they couldn’t walk before, that’s change,” he emphasized, illustrating the tangible benefits these technologies bring.

Challenges and Future Directions

Addressing the adaptation of these technologies across different demographics and countries, Dr. Putrino highlighted the importance of presenting a financial argument to justify their adoption. He stressed that these technologies, though advanced, are often repurposed from existing medical applications, making their implementation more feasible. “The sheer impressiveness of the outcomes should be enough to convince decision-makers,” he concluded.

Dr. Putrino’s insights at #ISPRM2024 underscore the transformative potential of technology in rehabilitation, offering hope for improved patient outcomes and broader accessibility.