Cutting-edge technologies, often referred to as high-tech, are taking an increasingly important place in the field of rehabilitation. Their potential is immense and their future looks promising. However, a major challenge persists: accessibility. Whether in terms of price, availability, technology or professional training, these tools are not yet within everyone’s reach.
It’s important to keep in mind that high-tech doesn’t solve all problems. It’s not a panacea. These technologies should be seen as complementary tools, to be judiciously integrated according to the patient’s needs and therapeutic goals.
So-called low-tech devices retain an essential place in physiotherapy and occupational therapy rooms. Inexpensive and easily accessible, they allow for achieving relevant therapeutic objectives for a large number of patients. These tools form the basic foundation of the physiotherapist’s work.
The video I’m presenting to you perfectly illustrates this complementarity. It shows a right hemiplegic patient accompanied by her physiotherapist Pierre MAY-CARLE. Three walking aids are implemented:
Without the Wheeleo®, despite the exoskeleton, the patient would adopt a 3-step gait, with a pause time in double support necessary to move the cane. The Wheeleo® allows for maintaining a more fluid rhythm closer to normal walking.
It seems essential to me that we remain open to what technology can bring, without ever setting aside the non-technological tools that have proven themselves yesterday and will continue to do so tomorrow.
The physiotherapist remains, above all, the most high-tech of rehabilitation tools!
What do you think about the integration of high-tech technologies in rehabilitation?
Video credit: Pierre MAY-CARLE (CRF Pasori)
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