Panasonic Corp. plans to release a groundbreaking device in 2018 to rehabilitate people who have had a stroke and suffer from hand paralysis. The device, developed in cooperation with Keio University, analyzes the patientās brain activity and thus is fundamentally different from other devices which just help the patient to move around. The development has already undergone its first clinical trials, with excellent results.
Panasonic and Keio team identified brain signals responsible for human hand and finger movements. Showing the patient a video recording of his movements, scientists artificially caused the necessary signals in his brain and a special device moved his hands and fingers in tact with them. This gave the impression of a person making the movements himself. By repeating similar exercises, patients gradually learned to move their arms and fingers independently. Although the prototype device has so far only been tested on hands, it could be effective for leg workouts as well.
Clinical trials at Keio University Hospital confirmed signs of functional recovery in nearly 70% of the 40 patients who participated in the study. After testing the device in several medical institutions Panasonic is going to apply to the Japanese Ministry of Health for producing and selling the novelty.
The company also expects the device to be in demand by nursing facilities for elderly stroke patients. The successful commercialization of the novelty will increase Panasonicās sales in the segment of goods for taking care of elderly people to 200 billion yen $1,6 billion by 2025, which is 6 times higher than the current figures.
This is inspiring! Can you please provide more details about Panasonicās device for stroke rehabilitation? How does it work and what are its potential benefits for stroke patients?