Abertay develops new system for delivering physiotherapy

Technology with the potential to help cut waiting times physiotherapy has been unveiled by the University of Abertay, Dundee.

Researchers in the School of Computing and Creative Technologies have developed an intelligent exoskeleton that can be programmed to remember and repeat specific limb movements.

The system, called NeXOS, will enable physiotherapists to devise exercise programmes customised to the individual needs of any patient with lower limb problems. This could include victims of leg or spinal cord injuries and stroke patients.

Such patients need regular exercise of the affected limb, to keep muscles in trim and prevent the loss of bone mineral density. There are currently 28,000 people on waiting lists for physiotherapy in Scotland.

NeXOS can exercise patients’ legs exactly as the physiotherapist wishes, but without the need for the physiotherapist to be present in person. Many more patients could be treated per therapist, leading potentially to big cuts in waiting times.

In addition to providing exercise tailored to each patient, NeXOS can monitor how well each patient is responding, and send data back to the physiotherapist.

This opens up the possibility of NeXOS being used away from conventional clinics, perhaps being installed in local gyms and sports centres, or even patients’ own homes. Patients would be able to exercise almost anytime, anywhere, and physiotherapists would be able to monitor progress and adjust settings accordingly by remote control.

Abertay researchers led by David Bradley developed NeXOS in conjunction with the Universities of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam, and Barnsley Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust. The project was supported by the UK Department of Health through its NEAT (New and Emerging Applications of Technology) programme.

Practising physiotherapists, clinicians, engineers, mathematicians, health administrators and patients were all involved the development of NeXOS. Further research is planned on ways in which therapists could use the technology more effectively, and the Abertay-led team is now looking to partner with a potential manufacturer to stage further trials.