. 2018 Oct 10;3:19. doi: 10.1038/s41536-018-0056-1

Table 1.

Examples of regenerative rehabilitation

Regenerative rehabilitation: skeletal muscle

Early translational work in humans to incorporate extracellular matrix bioscaffolds to repair volumetric muscle loss demonstrate the promise of human applications of regenerative rehabilitation.²¹ Through a series of case reports, investigators documented the after transplant of an extracellular matrix to severely damaged muscle tissue, thirteen subjects demonstrated significant gains on functional measures, increased gains in muscle tissue growth, increased presence of neurogenic growth in the transplant area, and improved nerve conductivity in the affected area.²² Though no controls were available, all candidates had received standard of care debridement and other procedures with no functional or neurogenic response. This extension of findings from animal models, suggests muscle loading following implantation is central to regenerating muscle tissue that is supportive of increased function.

Regenerative rehabilitation: brain plasticity

Boninger et al.²³ suggest the combinatorial use of robotics, stem cell therapies, and brain computer interfaces for treatment of hemiparesis after stroke. Although modest efficacy has been observed in some cell therapy studies,^24–28 it is clear that additional therapies are needed. Boninger et al propose the use of robots to deliver well-defined and reproducible forms of exercise therapy. Although optimal rehabilitation strategies remain unknown, many rehabilitation clinicians believe that stroke patients rarely receive sufficient therapy for optimal recovery. The combinatorial use of cell therapies and robotic-delivered therapy may enhance and optimize outcomes.

Regenerative rehabilitation: bone

Rehabilitation and regeneration following bone fracture and segmental bone defect have both been explored separately. Rehabilitation strategies including weight bearing timing, ultrasound therapy, and low magnitude mechanical signals have all been evaluated clinically.^29–31 Cellular, genetic, and biologic regenerative strategies have been successfully demonstrated as well.³² Research involving the combination of rehabilitation and regenerative medicine strategies in vitro and in animal models has emerged with promising results.^33,34 Continued research on the combination of rehabilitation and regenerative medicine strategies in bone healing may show optimized outcomes.