AI-driven initiative focused on creating a tool for tracking progression of musculoskeletal diseases
The KINESSENSOR project, a groundbreaking initiative, has been launched by a consortium consisting of Blautic Designs, AIMPLAS, IMSKE, Crespo Printing Group, and the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). Funded by the Valencian Institute of Competitiveness and Innovation (IVACE+i) through the 2024 Strategic Cooperation Projects program and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the project aims to develop an AI-powered portable system for identifying, monitoring, and tracking joint, ligament, or muscle injuries or pain.
The project specifically targets a condition called arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI), which causes hypertonia in the hamstring muscles and is common in anterior cruciate ligament injuries and knee prosthetic surgery. With more than 1.7 billion people globally affected by musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoarthritis, arthritis, and sports injuries, as reported by the World Health Organization, the need for such a system is undeniable.
The KINESSENSOR project paves the way for a strategic line of printed sensors for the healthcare sector, potentially leading to a spin-off. The system is designed to be portable, allowing patients to continue their exercises and treatments independently at home, with real-time monitoring.
The development of KINESSENSOR is a direct application of advanced technology and flexible electronics in healthcare, advancing the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The consortium is researching the integration of flexible printed sensors into kinesiology bands or orthoses for immediate and specific measurement of critical variables. The project also includes the incorporation of AI to identify patterns that allow healthcare professionals to correct them immediately.
Joaquín Castán from AIMPLAS explains that the project aims to develop tools to prevent, treat, and determine the optimal timing for surgery, which could significantly improve patient outcomes. The use of KINESSENSOR is expected to improve rehabilitation outcomes, reduce costs, and recovery time, and empower patients in their recovery process.
The novelty and high application potential of KINESSENSOR's solution make it a clear example of how applied research and technological innovation can directly improve people's quality of life. The project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 8, and 9, addressing current social and healthcare challenges. The KINESSENSOR project includes the development of a data analysis system with wireless communication and real-time monitoring.
As the field of AI-powered wearable tools for joint injury monitoring and pain management continues to evolve, the KINESSENSOR project represents a significant step forward in the fight against musculoskeletal disorders. While specific details about the technology, partners, or deployment timelines are not yet available, the potential impact of this innovative project is undeniable.
- The AI-powered portable system developed by the KINESSENSOR project, which aims to identify, monitor, and track joint, ligament, or muscle injuries or pain, is intended to help manage chronic diseases like arthritis and osteoarthritis, both of which are classified as chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
- In collaboration with the development of KINESSENSOR, the consortium is focusing on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the design to identify patterns within the data that will help healthcare professionals immediately correct any issues, thereby improving the health-and-wellness outcomes of patients with medical-conditions related to musculoskeletal disorders.
- As innovation in technology progresses, the field of fitness-and-exercise is seeing an increased focus on wearable devices, like KINESSENSOR, that can monitor joint injuries, pain management, and potentially contribute to the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases related to health-and-wellness, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 8, and 9.
