Bioservo Technologies AB initiates research project to investigate the effect of using exoskeleton on the central nervous system
In order to investigate how brain activity is affected by the use of a soft active exoskeleton, and thereby potentially improve rehabilitation for stroke patients, a research collaboration is now being initiated between Bioservo Technologies, Aleris Rehab Station Stockholm, Karolinska Institute and the Royal Institute of Technology. The study is led by professor Åke Seiger, Karolinska Institute and Aleris Rehab Station Stockholm.
In the event of a stroke, an area of the brain is affected by a reduced blood supply and thus a lack of oxygen. The nerve cells in the brain need oxygen and glucose to function. Sometimes a damage is caused to the brain that is transient, but in cases where an injury becomes permanent, areas adjacent to the stroke area can to some extent take over function from the injured area.
The purpose of the study is to investigate whether the use of a soft active exoskeleton (in the form of a grip-strengthening glove) can affect neurophysiological active areas in the motor part of the brain. The examination is performed on both healthy subjects (2-4 people) and people with stroke (6-8 people) using a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to compare the results between these groups.
By measuring brain activity while the subjects grip around an object with and without the glove, the research group can investigate whether the use of the glove affects areas close to the damaged area of the brain after a stroke. The hypothesis is that with the help of a soft active exoskeleton surrounding healthy tissue could be activated and thereby mitigate the effect of brain damage. If so, the glove could possibly also be used to improve rehabilitation time and the function of the hand after the injury.
If a therapeutic / rehabilitative effect can be demonstrated the areas of use for this type of soft active exoskeleton will be expanded.
“In the long run, there is a possibility that the glove can be used as treatment in an acute stage after stroke to reduce the risk of loss of function.” - Hans von Holst, former chief physician in neurosurgery at Karolinska University Hospital and professor of neuronics at the Royal Institute of Technology
“Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging has never before been performed while using an active exoskeleton. This study opens up a completely new area of use for our patented technology. ” - Petter Bäckgren, CEO Bioservo Technologies AB
The ethics review authority has now given approval to the implementation of the study, which means that the clinical part of the study can begin immediately and is expected to be completed in 2022.
For more information, please contact
Petter Bäckgren, CEO, Bioservo Technologies AB
Phone: 08-21 17 10
petter.backgren@bioservo.com
Annika Rydgård, Project Manager, Bioservo Technologies AB
Phone: 070 440 41 71
Annika.rydgard@bioservo.com
About Bioservo Technologies
Bioservo Technologies AB (publ) is a world leading company in wearable muscle strengthening systems for people in need of extra strength and endurance. All our innovative products and systems are designed to keep people strong, healthy and efficient.
The company has a unique global position within soft exoskeleton technology for the hand, both for industrial applications to improve the health for workers and to improve quality of life for people with impaired hand function.
Bioservo Technologies was founded in 2006 in collaboration between researchers at the Royal Institute of Technology and a doctor at Karolinska University Hospital. Bioservo Technologies is a Swedish public limited company with headquarters in Stockholm.
FNCA Sweden AB, +46(0)8 528 00399, info@fnca.se is the Company’s Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North Growth Market.
For more information, please visit www.bioservo.com
