By: Las Vegas Now Staff
A new robot-assisted program in Henderson is helping stroke victims regain the use of their arms. We stopped by health-south for a look at the new system called REO. For Las Vegas resident, Barbara Homans, who was active her whole life — a stroke was the last thing she expected.
“I kinda got dizzy and passed out. A half hour later, I wake up and I'm crippled,” said Homans.
Since her stroke a month ago, Homans hasn't been able to use her left arm or move her fingers.
Healthsouth in Henderson has teamed her up with REO, a new robotic program that helps patients regain mobility in their upper extremities.
“That's my one wish — is to get this arm back,” said Homans.
Occupational therapist, Bill Wrightsman says REO is used primarily for someone who's suffered a brain injury, such as stroke. The device engages the entire arm in highly repetitious movements, which helps reestablish the patient's range of motion.
“We can set it up so it works specific areas of the arm as well by either increasing or removing some of the flexibility that occurs in the accessories that we put the hand in. So we can create more wrist movement,” said Wrightsman.
Therapist, April Adriano is also trained to use REO. She says they customize each workout according to the needs and strength of the individual. So getting to know the patient is still a much needed human requirement for the robotic system is to be effective.
“No stroke is the same. So it really depends on the therapist getting to know the patient, getting to know what they can and can't handle as far as the strength and resistance they can have on it,” said Adriano.
“You know, it's taken me for a ride and it's bringing me back,” said Homans.
Healthsouth paid more than $60,000 for REO. Wrightsman says its value as a rehabilitation tool makes the cost well-worth it.
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