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Integrating Rehabilitation Engineering Technology With Biologics
Author(s) -
Collinger Jennifer L.,
Dicianno Brad E.,
Weber Douglas J.,
Cui Xinyan Tracy,
Wang Wei,
Brienza David M.,
Boninger Michael L.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
pmandr
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.617
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1934-1563
pISSN - 1934-1482
DOI - 10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.03.011
Subject(s) - rehabilitation engineering , rehabilitation , process (computing) , function (biology) , work (physics) , medicine , engineering design process , engineering management , engineering , computer science , physical therapy , mechanical engineering , evolutionary biology , biology , operating system
Rehabilitation engineers apply engineering principles to improve function or to solve challenges faced by persons with disabilities. It is critical to integrate the knowledge of biologics into the process of rehabilitation engineering to advance the field and maximize potential benefits to patients. Some applications in particular demonstrate the value of a symbiotic relationship between biologics and rehabilitation engineering. In this review we illustrate how researchers working with neural interfaces and integrated prosthetics, assistive technology, and biologics data collection are currently integrating these 2 fields. We also discuss the potential for further integration of biologics and rehabilitation engineering to deliver the best technologies and treatments to patients. Engineers and clinicians must work together to develop technologies that meet clinical needs and are accessible to the intended patient population.