Title : Fostering resilience with prosthetics, automation, and policy excellence
Abstract:
Neurological impairments with motor dysfunction, like foot drop, loss of grasping ability, and impaired coordination, significantly impact mobility, independence, and quality of life, which require an integrative approach that combines advancements in prosthetics, automation-driven rehabilitation, and government-supported healthcare systems. This presentation presents a comprehensive framework to improve mobility and autonomy for individuals with motor impairments, focusing on daily activities which otherwise will require the constant watchline of a caregiver.
Customized prosthetics and orthotic devices, such as dynamic ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) and adaptive hand orthoses, have their own role in their respective clinical scenarios in restoring functionality and reducing risks associated with unstable gait and posture. However, these devices, designed to correct foot drop, improve stance, and enable drag-free walking, can be further equipped with real-time feedback systems, sensor-driven devices, robotic exoskeletons, and machine learning algorithms to offer personalized rehabilitation by dynamically adapting to the user’s gait and progress, minimizing jerky movements thereby reducing the risks of falls.
Equally important is the role of societal acceptance and the endeavor to strengthen the existing healthcare systems by ensuring such innovations, accessible and affordable through public-private partnerships, research funding, and policy support along with Governments subsidized programs to integrate these solutions into routine rehabilitation practices, ensuring equitable access for individuals in resource-limited settings.
This presentation emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach, involving orthotists, neurologists, physiotherapists, engineers, and administrative officials to deliver tailored rehabilitation solutions offering a pathway to scalable, inclusive, and impactful rehabilitation strategies. This presentation aims to initiate dialogue among stakeholders, driving advancements in assistive technologies and shaping future policies for improved global healthcare.
Keywords: Prosthetics, neurological rehabilitation, automation, government policy, orthotics, accessibility, assistive technology, gait improvement.
