Drones as an innovative tool in the neurorehabilitation of patients with cerebrovascular disorders

The TIC Salut Social Foundation, in collaboration with the Olot and Garrotxa Regional Hospital Foundation and the UPC EETAC, has launched the project Drone-Clinic, a pioneering initiative that explores the use of drones in the neurorehabilitation of patients with vascular brain damage (VBD) and frontal dysfunction. This innovative study aims to improve the rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders through the use of small drones, which facilitate personalised therapies that are more efficient and adapted to the individual needs of each patient.

Neurorehabilitation and drones: an innovative combination

Strokes are one of the main causes of disability worldwide, with a high impact on patients’ quality of life. These patients often need interdisciplinary rehabilitation programmes to recover motor, cognitive and psycho-affective functions. In this context, the introduction of drone technology can be a revolutionary tool.

Drones, designed for indoor operations, can act as motivators in rehabilitation processes, as the flight and control dynamics of the drone stimulate the patients’ motor and cognitive systems. This helps improve hand-eye coordination, promotes motivation and strengthens self-confidence, essential factors in the rehabilitation process.

The Drone-Clinic project aims to evaluate the impact of drone technology on neurorehabilitation, especially in patients with vascular brain damage and frontal dysfunction. Through these innovative therapies, it is expected to increase patient autonomy and improve the effectiveness of treatments, while promoting greater adherence to the rehabilitation process.

Project phases and methodology

The project will be developed over several phases that include technology validation, a proof of concept with a small group of patients and a comprehensive evaluation of the results obtained. The initial phases of the project include:

Phase 0 – Technology validation: Drone performance tests and evaluation of acceptance by professionals and patients.

Phase 1 – Proof of concept: A scientific study that will evaluate the use of drones in personalised neurorehabilitation sessions.

The study will evaluate the integration of drones in the field of neurorehabilitation, assessing whether the use of this technology can lead to more efficient interventions adapted to individual needs, especially in key aspects such as cognitive speed, sustained attention, emotional state and behavioural control.

Great potential for public health and the economy

This innovative application of technology not only may improve the effectiveness of therapies, but also have a positive impact on reducing healthcare and social costs associated with patient rehabilitation. The use of drones would also help reduce the duration of the rehabilitation process and provide a more integrated healthcare model, which avoids recurrent trips for patients to their health centres.

The project team

The project is led by a multidisciplinary team of professionals from the TIC Salut Social Foundation, the UPC EETAC, and the Olot and Garrotxa Regional Hospital Foundation with the collaboration of neuropsychologists, physiotherapists and other neurorehabilitation specialists. These experts will work together to design and implement drone therapies, always with the aim of improving the quality of life of patients and promoting their effective rehabilitation.

Next steps and future of drone neurorehabilitation

With the support of the TIC Salut Social Foundation and funding from various institutions, the Drone-Clinic project opens up new perspectives in the field of neurorehabilitation. The results obtained during the first phases of the project will be key to establishing a new care model in which drone technology becomes an efficient therapeutic tool, adapted to the specific needs of each patient.

This project demonstrates how technology can transform the field of neurological rehabilitation, improve the quality of life of patients and promote the sustainability of the healthcare system.

For more information, contact:
TIC Salut Social Foundation
Project email: adp@ticsalutsocial.cat
Press email: comunicacio@ticsalutsocial.cat

About TIC Salut Social Foundation
TIC Salut Social Foundation is a non-profit organisation that promotes technological innovation in the health and social welfare sector. With the aim of improving people’s quality of life, the Foundation promotes projects that integrate new technologies into the health system, improving patient care and streamlining healthcare processes.

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