Upper limb rehabilitation with REAplan technology

A medical robot for neurorehabilitation

Developed by Belgian start-up Axinesis, REAplan technology is a robotic-assisted medical device designed to interact with patients and mobilise their upper limbs for improved motor function recovery. Patients hold onto an end effector, which is similar to a joystick, in order to move their arms in a horizontal plane; the intensity, strength and speed can all be adjusted.

As a result, REAplan is tailored to each patient’s motor deficits and continuously adapts to their performance and recovery progress.  The device is also equipped with a large flat screen that provides patients with valuable audio-visual feedback.

Who is this technology for?

REAplan technology is primarily for brain damaged patients who are receiving inpatient neurorehabilitation care. A stroke permanently damages and kills neurons in the brain, leading to long-lasting problems for patients. However, we now know that the brain has plasticity: the remaining neurons have the ability to reorganise themselves, form new connections and, as a result, compensate for deficits caused by the stroke. Intensely repeating certain movements leads to neuroplasticity at the injury site, helping to retrain the brain and aid recovery

 “REAplan is an innovative tool that provides our patients with the best technology available to help them regain their abilities as quickly as possible”, explains Maud Ismail, Head of the Occupational Therapy Department at Clinique Valmont.