A New Device for an Early Rehabilitation of the Ankle Joint and its Effects on Brain Activation: A NIRS and EEG Study

The ankle joint is a fundamental element in the biomechanical system of locomotion. When its functions are impaired, due to neurological insult such as brain trauma or a stroke, severe disability and loss of personal independence may ensue. For this reason, great care is given to the physical rehabilitation of the lower limb. On the other hand, it is often the case that only a limited amount of time can be specifically devoted to the ankle joint manipulation during routine rehabilitation sessions. Furthermore, early initiation of active workout may be impossible for patients showing paresis; even passive exercise is often delivered to a minimal degree while the general conditions of the patients impose that they are kept bedridden. The delay in commencing rehabilitation may have negative consequences in terms of detrimental changes in tissue properties, deafferentation through lack of proprioceptive stimulation, learned non-use, and, ultimately, spastic paresis [1].