sci-journalA special issue of The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, contributed to by scientists worldwide, focuses on a variety of technologic advances engineered to assist and benefit spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. The issue, according to a news release from Maney Publishing, places an emphasis on advances in wheelchair technology, wheelchair sports, personal health and safety, innovations in rehabilitation, and closing the gaps in education and employment.

The studies appearing in the special issue also incorporate insight from end users who have participated throughout the research, design, and development of new technologies. The advances, the article says, help empower SCI patients and enable them to lead fuller and more active lives.

Rory Cooper, PhD, a member of the journal’s Editorial Board, serves as guest editor. In his commentary, the release notes, Cooper states, “Ideally, in the future we will see more teams of scientists, engineers, and clinicians that include people with and without SCI working together to conduct pioneering research, to create transformational technology, and to establish model clinical programs.”

The release reports that technology’s application via neuroprostheses to rehabilitation has shown promise, assisting in restoring the abilities of SCI patients to use arms and legs, as well as control bladder function. Virtual reality and its utilization in robotic exoskeletons and in the evaluation of wheelchair driving performance are also discussed.

The release also highlights the benefits sports have seen from recent technological advances, particularly following the 2012 Olympic Games. Equipment such as hand cycles enable less stressful and more efficient upper body training to aid in rehabilitation. GPS is also reportedly being used to evaluate wheelchair tennis play to enable coaches to develop and monitor training regimens.

The issue moves on to discuss the emergence of a power wheelchair capable of climbing curbs and maneuvering around obstacles, enhancing mobility and independence. To combat increased exposure to vibration in wheelchair users, which can damage muscles, nerves, and cuase back pain, devices have been developed that collect data from wheelchair users and indicate the need for vibration-dampening cushions or suspension systems, according to the release.

The research also emphasizes the role that cooling the tissues under pressure can play in reducing the risk of skin breakdown.

To view the issue, click here

[Source: Maney Publishing]