Since its development, new technologies have entered not only people’s daily lives, but also in areas as important as health, such as neuropsychological rehabilitation.
They have been used for years in neuropsychology, which has allowed the development of accurate, economical and easy-to-apply evaluation tools, while the use of new technologies in neuropsychological rehabilitation is more recent.
- New technologies in neuropsychology allow greater accessibility for users.
- For example.
- Remote evaluation of patients who have difficulty moving.
Similarly, the application of the computerized instrument allows, in addition to obtaining accurate data, to automatically customize the exercises according to the user’s performance.
On the other hand, it results in individual and collective application, which reduces the volume of patients in public or private facilities, and can also be applied simultaneously to people with totally different incomes.
As for the most technical aspects, if professional supervision is essential, it eliminates biases, both in evaluation and intervention, by the professional.
It is also possible to perform a strict protocol and the exact repetition of stimuli and exercises, in the same way that it is easier to visualize the patient’s progress.
Finally, it seems that the use of new technologies generates a less formal impression of patient intervention, which, although in some cases can be negative, generally motivates the user without traditional tasks.
It generates in the patient the feeling of performing a more playful task, while training and rehabilitating their skills.
Despite the myriad benefits of new technologies in neuropsychological rehabilitation, it still presents dangers. On the one hand, it is not possible, in all cases, to obtain qualitative information during the procedure, unless it is applied in person.
In addition, the use of new technologies requires the user to have some familiarity with these tools, which is not only necessary to access them, but can also interfere with performance when developing tasks.
New technologies have been developed for cognitive training, as well as for specific rehabilitation, tools that can be used with all types of populations, although some have been developed for specific populations (children, the elderly, brain damage, etc. ).
Currently, the two most commonly used tools in the field of neuropsychological rehabilitation are software and virtual reality, here are some examples.
Computerized tools for the implementation of cognitive training predominate in this area, today there are countless options, although not all have proven their effectiveness and validity.
One of the most widely used platforms is NeuronUp, a tool that provides rehabilitation and cognitive stimulation, combining exercises for basic cognitive functions, daily life activities and social skills.
In addition, it can be combined with traditional methods, or the same exercises can be performed with pencil and paper.
There is also a lot of software that has been developed for cognitive training in older people.
Examples, such as Mementia, Kwido and VIRTRA-EL, allow healthy older adults with cognitive impairment or dementia to train their cognitive functions through simple games tailored to each individual’s performance.
On the other hand, applications have been created that allow the training and control of remote intervention, such as CloudRehab, this free application aimed at neuropsychological rehabilitation of people with brain injuries who have seen their mobility deteriorate.
CloudRehab is used so that patients can perform the same exercises as home therapy, upload a video to the cloud, and be supervised by professionals without having to move, except when needed.
This technology offers the opportunity to create contextualized and enriched environments, so that assessments and interventions are more organic and widespread.
In addition, this feature allows you to control the environment in which the exercises are performed, allowing a lot of applications. This technology creates specific cities, houses or situations where rehabilitation exercises can be performed.
Virtual reality is still in development in the field of rehabilitation, however, satisfactory results have already been reported in the rehabilitation of patients with psychomotor and elderly problems.
An example of a virtual reality tool is VinCI, which also offers the possibility of biofeedback, that is, the person can know how he does the work and can change his response.
There is no doubt that technology is advancing at a dizzying rate and with it will increasingly develop tools that can be applied to neuropsychological rehabilitation.
Today, there are already many tools available that make rehabilitation a little easier, enriching it with its benefits.
Although there are still no strong conclusions about its effectiveness and validity, the benefits obtained indicate that new neuropsychological rehabilitation technologies are here to stay.