Steets GmbH
STEETS: Mobile and safely on the move in the rehabilitation process
06.08.2024
In the rehabilitation process, it is important to get patients mobile again as safely and effectively as possible. Walking aids are often used to regain mobility, but these are also associated with a risk of injury from tripping or falls due to equipment issues. The STEETS support can make the use of walking aids safer.
Chiba University
New actuator improves finger extension in rehab gloves
02.08.2024
Soft rehabilitation gloves have become essential tools in helping patients with hand function-related disabilities regain finger movement. Traditionally, these gloves use soft pneumatic actuators driven by air pressure to facilitate motion. However, most current soft actuators primarily assist in finger bending (flexion) but struggle with enabling finger straightening (extension).
Oliver Dietze/Saarland University
Bone fracture healing through smart implants with micro-massage
09.04.2024
Saarland University presents a breakthrough in medical technology: smart implants that not only stabilize bone fractures, but also actively promote the healing process.
Improving rehabilitation with self-stabilizing exoskeletons
14.03.2024
Exoskeletons offer a versatile tool for rehabilitation by providing assistance and targeted support for individuals with mobility challenges. They facilitate early mobilization, which is crucial to prevent complications associated with prolonged bed rest. By allowing patients to stand and walk with support, exoskeletons contribute to faster recovery and improved overall well-being.
Andreas Schmitz/TU Munich
Hand prostheses: AI enables more intuitive use
05.03.2024
Previous robotic prostheses only respond to their users' movement intentions to a limited extent. A new control method being developed at the TU Munich could help: A network of 128 sensors and the use of artificial intelligence could allow people to control their prosthetic hands more intuitively and naturally.
Overcoming fatigue: An app for greater quality of life
20.02.2024
Cancer patients often suffer from fatigue syndrome as a side effect. This makes it difficult to cope with everyday life and is usually treated with physiotherapy and behavioral therapy. In the future, an anti-fatigue app should enable treatment to be individually tailored to the person.
Zimmer MedizinSysteme GmbH
Cold therapy: a key to painless physiotherapy
15.12.2023
After an operation, many patients undergo rehabilitation with physiotherapy. However, they often suffer from severe pain, especially at the beginning, which can also impair movement sequences during physiotherapy. Cold therapy as a pre-treatment can alleviate the pain and improve the success of the therapy afterwards.
Empa
Surgery and imaging: mapping the meniscus
05.12.2023
A non-trivial player in the anatomical orchestra of the compound joint is the meniscus cartilage. Empa researchers are now creating a "3D map" of the precious cartilage.
Andreas Heddergott / TUM
GyroTrainer with AI: Individual back training machine
29.11.2023
The GyroTrainer is an intelligent training device that resembles a balance board. It uses artificial intelligence to adjust the difficulty level to the individual patient’s current ability.
Routine Health GmbH
PAMELA – Prevention and management of phantom limb pain via app
24.11.2023
The loss of an arm or leg has a huge impact on quality of life. In addition to the restrictions that an amputation means for daily activities, those affected often suffer from phantom pain, which is difficult to treat.
On the move at MEDICA 2023 – PHYSIO TECH highlight tour
15.11.2023
PHYSIO TECH is one of the five Spheres of MEDICA. Here, visitors will find products and exhibitors relating to physiotherapy, rehabilitation and sport – in other words, everything that keeps people fit and moving. But this topic is no longer about colorful training aids made of plastic or rubber; smart applications and robotics have long since found their way here too.
Innovative and accessible exoskeleton development – Project MARCH
15.11.2023
Project MARCH, a student team from TU Delft, is developing exoskeleton technology to improve the lives of people with paraplegia. Through an interdisciplinary approach and a commitment to innovation, they create designs that combine advanced technology with practical functionality. As they came to MEDICA 2023 as an exhibitor, we took the opportunity to interview them.
Rehabilitation through specialized treadmill technology – WOODWAY
14.11.2023
WOODWAY, a leader in treadmill innovation for medical rehabilitation, brings over 40 years of expertise to MEDICA 2023. They consistently deliver tailored, state-of-the-art solutions for optimal fitness and rehabilitation results. In our interview, discover WOODWAY's specialized equipment and their unique treadmill technology.
ROBERT, the robot in rehab – Life Science Robotics
14.11.2023
At MEDICA 2023, the Danish company Life Science Robotics presents ROBERT. On the one hand, this robotic arm can relieve medical staff in rehabilitation and physiotherapy. On the other hand, it can also help patients achieve better results and get fit again faster. Find out how this works and what makes ROBERT so special in our video interview with Keld Thorsen, CEO.
TEDIRO
Rehabilitation: THERY robot accompanies gait training on forearm supports
25.10.2023
It is 1.50 meters tall, weighs 60 kilograms, can reach a maximum speed of 0.8 meters per second and is called THERY. THERY is a mobile robot from the Ilmenau-based company TEDIRO, which enables patients to complete autonomous gait training on forearm supports without the assistance of a therapist.
DragonImages
Breathment: AI-based breathing exercises for health
23.10.2023
For people with respiratory diseases, breathing can be a challenge. Breathment, a start-up from Munich, wants to change that. With their app, they want to help COPD patients with rehabilitation and disease management.
University of Houston
3D printable prostheses to restore amputees' finger mobility
18.10.2023
A groundbreaking, easy-to-use 3D printable finger prosthesis created by a recent University of Houston graduate could offer amputees a low-cost solution to restore finger functionality.
DIZG
Faster return to health with bone screws made from donated tissue
16.10.2023
During fracture treatment, screws are frequently used to join bone fragments. Traditional metal screws can necessitate additional surgeries during follow-up treatment, extending the healing process. Shark Screw® bone screw, crafted from human tissue, presents significant benefits in this context.
University of Jyväskylä
Cerebral Palsy: multicomponent exercise improves physical functioning in children and young adults
13.10.2023
A new study carried out at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, found that an individually tailored exercise program improves motor function, muscle strength and joint mobility in children and young adults with CP.
Fraunhofer IBMT
Bidirectional control of prosthetic hands using ultrasonic sensors
13.10.2023
Researchers at Fraunhofer are working as part of an EU research project to improve control of prosthetic hands down to individual fingers.
TU Dresden
Sensor and software to promote office staff’s physical activity
11.10.2023
TU Dresden researchers have analyzed the mechanics of office chairs and developed a sensor that, in combination with a dedicated software, can in the future help employees move more and more consciously during office work.
EkaterinaPereslavtseva
Gamified pelvic floor training: fun motivation for a strong core
10.10.2023
Regular pelvic floor training can help in preventing incontinence, and often in resolving it. However, this requires consistent training over a period of months. It is therefore crucial to provide those affected with a permanently motivating form of training.
Courtesy of Faraz Faruqi and Stefanie Mueller
AI-driven tool to personalize 3D-printable models
20.09.2023
MIT researchers developed a generative-AI-driven tool that enables the user to add custom design elements to 3D models without compromising the functionality of the fabricated objects. A designer could utilize this tool, called Style2Fab, to personalize 3D models of objects using only natural language prompts to describe their desired design.
Marius Maasewerd, HAWK
Orthobionics degree program qualifies specialists for orthopedics
01.08.2023
Starting from the winter semester of 2023, the Orthobionics program will launch a distinctive bachelor's degree. Geared towards the requirements of the orthopedic technology industry, they will be adept in independently providing care with modern orthoses and prostheses.
KTU
AI-based system will help people after stroke
01.08.2023
The joint study by Rytis Maskeliūnas, a researcher at Kaunas University of Technology, Faculty of Informatics (KTU IF), and Lithuanian researchers is focused on creating an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system that aims to facilitate the rehabilitation process.
Pressmaster
AI supports rehabilitation after spinal cord injury
05.07.2023
An intelligent suit is hoped to significantly improve rehabilitation after a serious spinal cord injury. The AI-supported solution will be developed over the next three years by researchers from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) working in collaboration with Heidelberg University and Heidelberg University Hospital.
Biodesign Lab / Harvard SEAS
Ankle exosuit: more independence for post-stroke wearers
09.06.2023
Designed for independent use in community settings, the new exosuit could help stroke survivors improve their gait outside of the lab and during their daily routines.
National University of Singapore
Weekly magnetic muscle therapy improves mobility and lean body mass in older adults
30.05.2023
A decline in functional mobility, loss of muscle strength and an increase in body fats are often associated with ageing. This trend could potentially be reversed by way of an innovative magnetic muscle therapy pioneered by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS).
UBC Okanagan
Health app: getting active with partial spinal cord injury
19.05.2023
A UBC Okanagan researcher has been testing the effectiveness of a mobile app that encourages people living with a spinal cord injury—but can walk—to get active.
Rett Syndrom Deutschland e.V.
XR and AI: TeMoRett develops computer-assisted therapy
15.05.2023
The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) is coordinating the newly launched project "Technology-supported Motor Rehabilitation for People with Rett Syndrome" (TeMoRett).
bialasiewicz
Physical activity crucial for poststroke recovery
05.05.2023
After a stroke, physical activity can be pivotal to successful recovery. People who spend four hours a week exercising after their stroke achieve better functional recovery within six months than those who do not, a University of Gothenburg study shows.
Messe Düsseldorf
3D Motion Analysis: Postural patterns in patients with hemophilia
27.04.2023
Usually, the solutions for monitoring heart failure are implantable and thus come with the risks of surgery. A research project has now developed a noninvasive solution based on sensor technology integrated into a wearable belt.
Kaunas University of Technology
Virtual post-stroke assistant for rehabilitation
17.04.2023
The innovation created by a team of Lithuanian scientists is a VR-based rehabilitation system, a VR technology without the VR world and glasses.
ONWARD Medical NV
Kick-off: new Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network "ReWIRE"
05.04.2023
Through ReWIRE, next-generation scientists will be trained to develop translational breakthrough therapeutic solutions for patients with paralysis caused by traumatic spinal cord injuries.
Marco Binelli / ETH Zürich
3D-printed insoles measure sole pressure directly in the shoe
24.03.2023
Researchers at ETH Zurich, Empa and EPFL are developing a 3D-printed insole with integrated sensors that allows the pressure of the sole to be measured in the shoe and thus during any activity.
Nanyang Technological University
AI-powered massage robot to start product evaluation in the US, clinical trial in Singapore
20.02.2023
Singapore robotics firm AiTreat will be embarking on a new product evaluation in the United States for their massage robot powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Mayo Clinic, USA.
Wavebreakmedia
Muscles and nervous system: Space research helps combat degeneration
30.01.2023
Injuries do not just happen to athletes: along with surgeries, they are often the reason for prolonged bed rest. Meanwhile, extended physical inactivity can trigger changes in muscles and the nervous system. Sports medicine wants to counteract these negative effects and use insights from space research in the future.
Booyabazooka
Mechanical stimulation could be used to prevent falls and strengthen muscles
24.01.2023
Mechanical vibrations could help improve our muscles and our balance control, according to research at Aston University. Researchers in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences have examined the effect of stimulation on muscle spindles which ‘speak’ to the central nervous system to help keep us upright and walk straight.
StudioVK
A prosthetic limb that can read my mind
04.01.2023
A team at FAU is investigating how intelligent prostheses can be improved. The idea is that interactive artificial intelligence will help the prostheses to recognize human intent better, to register their surroundings and to continue to develop and improve over time.
Electrical stimulation for clinical and home use – EGZOTech Sp. z.o.o.
17.11.2022
Supporting patients in their rehabilitation and relieving physiotherapists – this is what EGZOTech from Poland wants to achieve with its EMS-based technologies. At MEDICA 2022, they explain to us how the company wants to make this possible.
pixelaway
Movement analysis with electromagnetic wave-based sensor technology
03.11.2022
Wearable technologies are widely used in today’s sports medicine. Whether they home in on a diagnosis or track people’s various parameters, wearables, and smart textiles are here to provide information and support. The MEDICA MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE will showcase some of the latest trends and research developments pertaining to sports medicine.
Markus Bernards
Treatment for back pain: 84 percent increase in success rate
20.10.2022
Multimodal therapies should be promoted on a larger scale in the German healthcare system, in line with the National Disease Management Guidelines.
DyCare
DyCare: Safe and remote rehabilitation
18.10.2022
To treat musculoskeletal disorders physical therapy is often essential to help patients suffering from chronic pain. But following a patient’s progress in physical therapy can be difficult without a matching tool. To improve rehabilitation and further personalize treatment, DyCare developed a digital rehabilitation platform called ReHub.
ZHAW Departement Gesundheit, Bewegungslabor
Rehabilitation after sports injury: Gamification of exercises in the ExerCube
01.06.2022
Returning to a sport after injury can be demanding and arduous as athletes often need to undergo lengthy rehabilitation. Yet even after they have physically recovered from their injury, some may experience mental issues that can make it difficult to return to play and competition. Exercises that combine physical and mental training and challenges in a game setting can be an effective solution.
Prostock-studio
Exergames: leveraging the fun of games to support therapy
01.06.2022
Some patients need physiotherapy after suffering an injury, but the process can be tough and tedious. Depending on the indication, this may necessitate multiple treatment sessions that can span several weeks. Added to this are therapy exercises patients should do at home. The amount of training and repetitions can make it difficult to stay engaged. Gamification in therapy can boost motivation.
Fabienne Erben
App supports pediatric movement therapy
01.06.2022
Gamification is becoming ever more popular in rehabilitation. Yet it’s not easy to design games that increase motivation and engagement. Fabienne Erben is a student at the Munich University of Applied Sciences who accepted the challenge and homed in on a difficult target group: children.
prostooleh
Fighting monotony with apps: Exergames in physiotherapy
01.06.2022
Gamification has long since made its way into modern physical therapy. Games make it easy for people of all ages to enjoy their exercises. And that in turn contributes to the success of therapy – whether after a sports injury or in exercise therapy for children. Find out more in our Topic of the Month.
3Digity
Finger orthosis: Custom fit with 3D printing
10.05.2022
Following an injury or surgery, orthotics are key components of the recovery and rehabilitation process. The University spin-off 3Digity designs 3D-printed customized finger orthoses to foster rehabilitation as custom orthotics can drastically speed up the recovery process.
videoreality GmbH
Chronic pain: Virtual Reality helps alter pain perception
22.03.2022
The cause of chronic back pain can be hard to find. Pain sufferers are typically advised to embark on regular exercise, combined with physical therapy and pain management training to overcome potential psychological and emotional factors. Virtual reality applications could become an innovative treatment tool in this setting – targeting pain perception right in the brain.
PantherMedia / Andriy Popov
How prepared are we to treat patients with Long COVID?
15.03.2022
Most people who have been treated for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recover completely within a few weeks. But for some people, symptoms can persist, requiring treatment for what is known as long COVID. The goal is to find better treatment options and implement them in rehabilitation centers.
Sports medicine & physiotherapy: from training equipment to playful rehabilitation
16.11.2021
Sports medicine and physiotherapy involve many different types of equipment - from cardiovascular training to joint mobilization and playful rehabilitation. You can get an insight into the different products in our photo gallery from MEDICA 2021.
PantherMedia/photographee.eu
Stroke rehabilitation: regaining arm movement with nerve stimulation
09.08.2021
Stroke rehabilitation exercises are essential to regain mobility and strength in the body. Each patient recovers lost skills and function differently. A recent study has now examined how vagus nerve stimulation with electrical impulses during stroke rehab could improve arm mobility.
Getting from 3D scan to 3D print: computer-aided prostheses and orthoses
01.07.2021
Orthopedic technology is a true craft: That's because prostheses and orthoses are rarely off-the-shelf products. Orthopedic technicians must typically use different materials to custom create and fit the devices. Many of these processes are manual. For several years now, 3D scanning and 3D printing have modernized the industry thanks to digital design freedom and flexible production.
Luxinergy/kerkoc
Customized and freshly printed: 3D printing in orthopedics
01.07.2021
Creating custom-made medical devices to target individual patient needs: that is the core function and primary objective of orthopedics. Using 3D printers for this will make sense in the future. Luxinergy is an innovative Austrian technology company that specializes in the development of biocompatible resins and large-format 3D printers.
EXXETA AG
Gamification: facilitating a gradual return-to-play
08.06.2020
Professional athletes depend on a speedy recovery from sports injuries or surgery because their livelihood depends on their physical fitness. Returning to competition too soon after injury can have negative health consequences. Standard tests are now combined with virtual reality to determine the optimal time to return to play.
Comprehensive stroke care: faster, closer, better
02.06.2020
"Time is brain!" – a fundamental rule in stroke care because time is of the essence when brain regions are undersupplied with oxygen and glucose. If circulation is not restored quickly, brain damage can be permanent. However, the key point here is not just to "be fast", but also to "use the time to treat stroke effectively".
Sports medicine: Neuromuscular training for optimal performance
20.08.2019
Movement, strength and coordination - after injuries as well as in healthy athletes, these three components must be intact for movements to run smoothly. At the Beta Klinik in Bonn, Dr. Markus Klingenberg, a specialist in orthopaedics, trauma surgery and sports medicine, offers neuromuscular training with a playful character that can be adapted to the patient's needs.
Training partner robot – This is the rehabilitation of the future
16.08.2019
In medicine, robots are already taking over tasks that only a few years ago were exclusively in human hands. Especially in the field of rehabilitation, they will play a major role in the future. In the "RoSylerNT" project of the German Sport University Cologne, a robot arm from KUKA is being used here for training purposes. Find out why a robot is the right training partner!
Sports medicine - performance values in best health
01.07.2019
Those who integrate physical activities into their own lifestyle live healthier and more balanced. But where are the physical limits? Can health status measurements also be carried out on the road? Discover more about how sports medical examinations contribute to maintain performance and minimize health risks in our Topic of the Month.
Training and rehabilitation: fit thanks to hover technology
01.07.2019
Amateur and professional athletes are susceptible to sports injuries, balance disorders or deficits in motor function and posture. Prevention and the right training can help avoid these incidents, while targeted therapy can support a return to sports after an injury.
Sports medicine – keep moving to stay healthy
01.07.2019
Physical activity plays a big role in today's society. Whether you are an amateur or professional athlete – incorporating exercise into your life positively impacts your mental and physical health. Ideally, sport should be fun, pressure-free and not overburden you. But can you measure individual performance and align it with sports?
Of exoskeletons and service robots – the future of rehabilitation
03.06.2019
For most people, enjoying a good quality of life means having the ability to move freely, safely and independently. Intensive and costly rehabilitation is needed if this is no longer an option after a stroke for example. We are introducing some projects that deliver innovative robotic solutions.
Walking is an issue of mind over matter – how robots assist rehabilitation
03.06.2019
Humans are living longer than ever but still want to continue to live independently as they age. Meanwhile, our motor and cognitive abilities decline as we age, sometimes as the effects of a stroke. The number of people in need of long-term care is growing at breakneck speed. At the same time, fewer and fewer young people choose stressful careers as caregivers.
Robotics – rehab with motors and sensors
03.06.2019
They work with power, precision and tirelessly. This makes robots an ideal instrument for rehabilitation. In gait or motor training, movement sequences must be repeated thousands of times so that they can be learnt anew. What tires the patient and costs the therapist's time can easily be managed by robot-assisted systems. Learn more about the possibilities of robotics in rehabilitation.
Rehab with a robot – robot-assisted therapy in neurology
03.06.2019
It takes consistent repetitions if rehab patients want to relearn skills after surviving a stroke. This requires extreme effort. The industrial sector uses robots to perform repetitive tasks or handle jobs that require strength. What has been a fixture in factories for decades is now also making its way into rehabilitation facilities.
All-round care for COPD: diagnosis, treatment, self-management
01.03.2019
COPD affects more than 200 million people in the world. Those affected by this chronic pulmonary disease are often slow to notice the symptoms and get a medical diagnosis. This results in secondary complications and high medical costs. That's why an early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and frequent monitoring are very important. Various devices and tools support this all-round care.