STROKE patients and those suffering from neurological disorders can look forward to an advanced form of rehabilitation now that the Therapedic Brain and Spine Robotic Centre was officially launched at Sunrise Tower in Gurney Drive today.
Its founder James Tan said the RM2 million robotic rehabilitation centre was the first of its kind in Malaysia to help patients recover much faster.
“It’s not only for stroke patients but also for those with spinal cord injuries,” Tan said during his speech.
“Time is a critical factor for the recovery of stroke patients. The first six weeks, known as the ‘golden first six weeks’, are very important.
“The use of robot is to help those who have lost their mobility to walk again. Our robot, called Lokomat, can assist a patient to walk 3,000 steps in one session during early treatment.
“That depends also on the patient’s physical and heart condition. Since we have opened the centre two weeks ago, we have 50 patients. At an average, a patient can walk 1,200 to 1,500 steps.”
The robot, made in Switzerland with software technology by Johns Hopkins University, uses dynamic weight support system.
The use of robot thus reduces the risk of injury, like a fall, during a rehab exercise.
Tan said during the exercise, the robot would also collect data of the patient which would later be analysed by a neurologist.
He said it costs RM239 to RM299 per session, lasting about 90 minutes.
Tan said according to a newspaper report, there are 50,000 new stroke patients in Malaysia each year and 40 percent of them are below 60 years old.
Besides the Lokomat, the other technologies available at the centre are ArmeoSenso (AI Machine Learning upper extremity rehabilitation device), Electromyography Biofeedback Stimulation (an advanced neuromuscular electrical stimulation, allowing the patient’s brain frequency to control his or her weak muscle through electrical stimulations) and sensor-based wearable rehabilitations technology (gemified fingers rehabilitations device).
Other existing equipment are COX® spinal decompression device (most advanced spinal decompression device for slipped disc, scoliosis, spinal osteophyte), laser assisted physiotherapy, laser acupuncture and multiwaves laser therapy for skin infections, diabetic wounds and muscle pain management.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the robotic centre today, commended Therapedic for its initiative in revolutionising the rehabilitation ecosystem by introducing a state-of-the-art robotic rehabilitation centre in Penang.
“This centre will help increase our state’s liveability by enhancing the quality of life and at the same time improve our welfare and care systems,” Chow said in his speech.
“Digitalisation has changed the way we live, and I believe that digital transformation in rehabilitation technologies would bring hope to the hopeless, accelerate patient recovery and increase life expectancy.
“Therapedic’s commitment to offer innovative robotic rehabilitation at affordable cost is admirable and commendable.
“In fact, this is the most affordable robotic rehabilitation treatment centre in Southeast Asia.
“This initiative would benefit the people and further strengthen Penang’s position as a medical hub by offering high quality healthcare at affordable prices.”
Chow added that studies have shown that stroke is the second leading cause of death and a leading cause of various disabilities in Malaysia.
Besides the effects of stroke on a patient, he said, family members and caregivers are also affected.
Often, it is a financial burden for an individual or family if there is a long post stroke rehabilitation.
Chow said Penang has continuously performed well in the field of medical tourism by being the destination of choice for affordable and quality healthcare.
He said from January to April 2020, Penang recorded a total of revenue of over RM105 million in medical tourism. But with the Covid-19 pandemic, medical tourism in the state has been badly hit and is now in the recovery stage.
In conjunction with its opening, Therapedic also donated RM100,000 worth of therapedic credit to the Penang Centre of Medical Tourism, who was represented by its executive director Dr Mary Ann Harris.
Lokomat’s robotic company, Hocoma Robotic, also presented a certificate to Island Hospital neurologist Dr Lim Thien Thien who knows how to decode data recorded by the robot. It was witnessed by Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit.
Also present was the centre’s chief executive officer Jennifer Lok.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alvie Cheng
Video by Law Suun Ting