Smart technology and physiotherapy

Connected health devices are expanding traditional means of medical care, particularly physical therapy services . These are medical equipment and personal health devices based on emerging mobile technologies used by healthcare providers and users.

Let’s get to know them in more detail.

The field of rehabilitation and physiotherapy is benefiting from the unstoppable advance of technology.
We are referring to systems based on intelligent physiotherapy connection devices that are characterized by using different detection technologies, such as piezoresistive force sensors or microwave radars that greatly facilitate the work of physiotherapists.
Here are some examples.

These are artificial intelligence techniques used in the treatment of stroke patients, among others.
VR rehabilitation technology makes use of virtual simulation of the world to meet various requirements for effective medical intervention, thus achieving the best results by using peripherals such as virtual reality goggles and gloves linked to motion sensors.

This innovative technique has proven effective in the rehabilitation and treatment of many of these cases.
Virtual therapy also helps patients with cerebral palsy in brain reorganization, as well as in the recovery of their ability to move and cognitive skills related to visual perception, in addition to improving adaptation to social interaction situations.

Supervised machine learning analyzes simulated exercises by comparing them with the patient’s actual performance.
In this way, neural networks can predict successful exercise performance with 99.4 % accuracy.

For example, in lower body motor rehabilitation, the correct performance of a single-leg squat exercise can be predicted.

The way we walk (or run) is unique to each person.
Doing it incorrectly can ultimately lead to back or hip problems.
It can even lead to serious and long-lasting injuries.

Fortunately, these problems can often be solved by using the right shoes or the right soles.
In this case, smart shoes can help us solve the problem. But how?
Their sensors allow us to evaluate and collect relevant data, which will be used to design and implement a more effective recovery strategy, thus supporting the rehabilitation process.

Smartphone apps specific to physical therapy home exercise programs offer an emerging way to manage rehabilitation that empowers active patient participation in their own recovery process throughout treatment.

Thus, physical therapists can apply this knowledge to adapt clinical practice and use smartphone applications as a further means of facilitating patient participation in home exercise programs.

In the current context it is vital to adopt solutions that allow us to continue to grow and evolve in our business.
In this sense, for a physiotherapist, adopting a management program is a step as important as using intelligent devices that enhance the effectiveness of their treatments.

For this reason TIMP is the ideal tool for physiotherapy professionals since, in addition to helping them in the management of their clinic, it allows them to create a clinical history for each of their patients, adding medical alerts that will warn them of the aspects to keep in mind when designing and planning a particular treatment.

In short, digital technology is becoming an essential resource for healthcare professionals, gradually and unstoppably becoming part of their daily practice.