Background
There is a great demand for a solution that will provide a technique to analyse the movements of the muscles (motion analysis, motion function evaluation/assessment) at the community level, leading to quicker, more appropriate and more effective treatment, rehabilitation and ergonomics. The progress and quality of life of the patient is increased through faster, more accurate diagnosis and as a consequence improved treatment. The physiotherapist will also use the time more effectively and develop higher quality physiotherapy and thus attract more clients and increase his/her earnings. This, along with huge savings in the health care, for insurance companies and employers, is the overall aim of Intelligent Motion Analysis – our novel IMA idea.
Building on a system of motion sensing and electromyography (EMG) units the PT’s and PT associations can see the opportunity to develop a quantitative measurement tool, to measure the exact movements of the muscles attached to a joint and how they interact during movement, which will next to revolutionize their work. This will not only give the PT’s a quantitative measurement tool it will also enable them to develop a set of test protocols that together can:
- Make diagnosing of musculoskeletal conditions more accurate and reliable
- Make treatment of musculoskeletal conditions more comprehensive and effective
- Enhance motivation for recovery, enabling quicker return to previous health status
- Give the PT technological advantage and thus ensuring his/her financial benefits
Project Detail
The IMA-Technology will provide data for analysing and diagnosing the patient’s condition that are functional and effective. Three tiny EMG sensors and three micro motion sensors, which measure the movements of the different muscles in the shoulder, knee or hip. The instrument will be easy to attach to the patient. As he then moves his arm or leg, as instructed by the PT, his movement will be registered and printed out after the examination is completed. Measuring the reaction of each muscle and its acceleration will be able to give more accurate data for analysis and diagnosis than a mere subjective observation of the patient. Of course, an observation and patient history will always be needed to make the final diagnosis.
The IMA micro motion sensors and EMG sensors will be wireless and easy to use and their implementation into training and analysis of motion problems will open up a whole new range of possibilities. The sensors will be light so the patient can move about freely, and thus the examination and training sessions will not be uncomfortable. The sensors will have a range of about 50 meters and the batteries will last for at least 5 hours.
The IMA-system will collect information on different musculoskeletal conditions, methods in diagnosis and treatment over time and create a normal curve which will be stored in the central knowledge base. Similarly suggestions on training programs for different musculoskeletal condition will be stored in the data base and made accessible for the PT’s that use the system. The knowledge bank will be owned by PT associations and administered by them.
Project Deliverables
Therefore our new idea is to develop an innovative easy-to-use diagnosing system, an Intelligent Motion Analyser that makes quantitative measurement of musculoskeletal condition, compares it with available data, both for healthy individuals and other patients, and indicates how the patient could be treated.
The integrated objective of the project is to develop a low cost measurement unit and build up a commercially viable on-line data collection system, accumulating data from motion and EMG sensors deployed in PT practices and research institutions.