Tutor System Adds Psychological Aspect to SCI Rehabilitation

On Nov 1,2011, CM van Leeuwen , S Kraaijeveld , E Lindeman and MW Post of the Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience and Center of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and Rehabilitiation Center De Hoogstraat, Utrecht, The Netherlands [2] Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland reviewed the literature on relationships between psychological factors and quality of life (QOL) of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI)Their methods included a systematic literature search in several online databases (PubMed, Embase and PsychInfo).
Articles were included if they provided quantitative information on associations between QOL-related dependent variables and psychological factors as independent variables in an SCI population. The search was limited to empirical studies published in English. The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed.The results found a total of 48 studies that were included. Total locus of control, sense of coherence, self-worth, hope, purpose in life and positive affect were consistently associated with greater QOL. Negative affect and posttraumatic cognitions were consistently associated with lower QOL. Inconsistent evidence was found for subscales of locus of control, the role of attribution of blame, spirituality, personality, appraisals, passive coping and emotion-focused coping. No evidence was found for an association between active problem-focused coping styles and QOL.The conclusion drawn was that there were many psychological factors that were strongly and consistently related to QOL, but for some others no or inconsistent evidence was found. Further research should (1) use larger study groups, preferably in longitudinal designs, (2) improve terminological precision and avoid conceptual overlap between determinants and outcomes, (3) increase uniformity of questionnaires and (4) reexamine concepts that have been abandoned prematurely, such as personality and social comparison.
The newly developed Tutor system uses dedicated software which includes a series of games to apply an impairment based program through intensive active exercises. By applying these games to the rehabilitation process for SCI patients there is an incentive to succeed and therein lies the psychological aspect of improvement to their mobility and QOL.
The Tutors and its component devices (HandTutor, ArmTutor, LegTutor, 3DTutor) have become a key system in neuromuscular rehabilitation and physical therapy. The exercises are challenging and motivating and allow for repetitive training tailored to the patient’s performance. The system also includes objective quantitative evaluations that provide the therapist information to customize the most suitable rehabilitation program to the patient’s ability. The Tutor system is being used to rehabilitate those suffering from Brain injury, upper and lower limb surgeries, Parkinson’s disease, Cp, MS as well as other debilitating issues. Currently part of the rehabilitation program of leading U.S. and foreign hospitals the Tutors are also used in clinics and at home through the use of telerehabilitation. The Tutors are fully certified by the FDA and CE.See www.Handtutor.com