Robotic physiotherapist could treat patients and cut waiting times

A robotic system to treat physiotherapy patients with lower limb problems could lead to a decrease in waiting lists and the ability for patients to be treated outside of clinics.

The prototype NeXOS system can be instructed to remember and repeat specific limb movements which have been programmed by a physiotherapist. This removes the need for the physiotherapist to manipulate the patient's limbs manually, so that they would not need to be present when the exercises were taking place.

It is also possible to alter the range of movement, speed, resistance, and amount of exercises, ensuring that each programme is individually tailored to the patient's needs.

NeXOS remotely feeds information directly back to the physiotherapist, so they could monitor their patient's progress from another location, and could even adapt the exercise programme remotely.

This opens up the possibility for patients to be treated with the system in non-clinical settings such as their own homes, gyms and sports centres.

The project is the result of a collaboration between Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Sheffield, Barnsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Abertay Dundee.

Dr Sue Mawson, from the Centre for Heath and Social Care Research at Sheffield Hallam University and one of the research physiotherapists involved in developing the system explains, "The NeXOS system needs to be trialled clinically, but offers the potential for physiotherapists to effectively treat more patients. It requires the expertise of a physiotherapy professional to assess the patients needs, programme the exercises and to analyse the data to check its effectiveness, but takes away the need for all treatment to be conducted face-to-face, in one-to-one sessions.

"This system is also good news for patients as it will allow them to schedule their therapy more easily to fit in with their lives, rather than having to meet appointment times with therapists. It will also cut waiting times for treatment.

"The beauty of the system is that the therapist would be able to monitor progress, adapt the programme remotely, and to easily assess when a patient needs a follow-up session face-to-face."

Further research is planned on ways in which therapists could use the technology more effectively either as a teaching tool for e-learning or as an adjunct to rehabilitation.