Polymers as a Chance for the Active Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to show the importance of polymers in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities. The article takes into account medical, sociological and economic aspects of the issue under study. It turns out that both medical and occupational rehabilitation have a significant impact on the professional activity of a person with a disability. What is more, there is a close interdependence between the type of disability and the ability to perform specific activities. Persons with disabilities, due to the damage to the body, do not lose all abilities and retain the ability to perform many activities necessary in life, work, etc. Some of the abilities, after being identified and improved, can be the basis for starting rehabilitation, training, and then s professional work. In many cases, early and properly conducted rehabilitation is invaluable. However, it would not be possible without many devices which are made using polymers. They are used for the production of prostheses for limbs, joints, tendons, as well as teeth. They are also used during medical diagnosis, rehabilitation and prophylactic activities. The review of domestic and foreign literature confirms that the use of polymers in medicine significantly improves the quality of life of people with disabilities and enables them, through rehabilitation, to return to physical and professional activity. And although all polymers used to produce the above-mentioned elements must undergo a special modification in order to increase their overall strength and provide them with essential properties for utility purposes, undoubtedly modern medicine cannot do without polymers.