Technology and Artificial Intelligence in support of rehabilitation

There are many examples that could be given to demonstrate the benefits of technology and Artificial Intelligence in supporting the rehabilitation of people who have health issues. To start with, there is the project being carried out in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona, where people admitted to hospital can start their recovery by'taking a ride' on a bicycle without actually leaving their bed, in a process that combines physical exercise and virtual reality. This idea consists of an ergometric bicycle that allows bedridden patients to do physical activity similar to cycling, combined with virtual reality to start their rehabilitation process in an "early and enjoyable" manner. The system allows the patient to pedal even when lying in bed and adapts to their physical capacity, even having the capacity to have them move their legs passively and thus mobilising the muscles when the patient does not yet have the capacity to do so themselves. In addition, the bicycle is combined with a 360-degree reality glasses system, which allows patients to feel as if they were actually cycling through different areas of the city of Barcelona.