Exercise programme for the back with real-time feedback

It's no longer a secret: contrary to nature, man has turned into a sedentary creature. Far too often, our body is deprived of the physical exercise it so urgently needs. We sit in the car, in the office, in front of the television, in the cinema or in the pub. There is insufficient movement stimuli for the back muscles, particularly the small, deep ones. Studies show that in many patients suffering from back pain, these muscles have lost their stabilising effect and urgently need to be trained and strengthened again.

One valuable aid here consists in interactive training programmes. The user acts as avatar, becoming immersed in a new world with a playful approach to training both movement perception and actual mobility. Ideally such sensor-based programmes should be medical devices. The instructions must be easy for every user to understand so that training is possible without needing a therapist.

Feedback about the completed exercises

Wireless movement sensors are fastened to the sternum and to the lower spine. They transmit even the tiniest movements via Bluetooth to a terminal device such as a smart phone or tablet. The user thus receives feedback immediately after completing the exercises and knows whether they were performed correctly or whether possible adjustments are necessary.

A therapeutic assessment is also beneficial, indicating which progress has been made. The user can call up the assessment after every training session and, if necessary, pass it on to the therapist or doctor for a professional appraisal.

Support for therapists and doctors

Therapists/doctors interested in technological support for their work should note that this is a system specially designed for therapeutic use. Devices for radiation-free back scanning are used for imaging of the spinal column. They depict the angles formed between two adjacent vertebrae of the thoracic spine and lumbar spine, together with the tilting and straightening of the pelvis. The spinal column is measured not only in upright posture but also in flexion (bending) and extension (stretching). Other measuring modalities are possible. 3D resolution of the data on a computer screen facilitates diagnosis. The data give the therapist/doctor information about the mobility of the spinal column and any possible muscular deficits. Evaluation of the data helps to produce an individual training programme.

Feedback about correct movements

Software assistance can also be provided at this point. This needs movement sensors which record even the tiniest movement, giving the therapist/doctor and patient direct feedback about how correctly the movements were performed. Thanks to the immediate information, any mistakes made in the exercises can be corrected straightaway.

The software programme fulfils the vital prerequisites when the exercises preferably developed by movement scientists and physiotherapists focus primarily on the back.

Private use

• These should be medical devices as defined by law. This ensures that all safety requirements are fulfilled and checked regularly.
• The exercise instructions of the software must be so obvious and safe that the user can apply them without mistakes.
• The programme must automatically monitor the exercises as these are being carried out and give the user corresponding feedback if the exercises are done incorrectly.
• It should be possible to perform the exercise and training programme in different places. The user is therefore not tied to one single place and can continue the important training for example when travelling or on holiday.
• Use of the device must be motivating, patient-friendly and easy, and it must be set up quickly. Correct positioning of the sensors must be assured.
• The manufacturer should offer regular updates with additional exercises so that training remains fun and doesn't get boring.

Therapeutic use

In addition to the criteria for private use, the following must also be taken into account:

• The measuring principle must satisfy scientific criteria and be validated.
• The manufacturer arranges for specially qualified instructors to familiarise the users with safe, correct handling of the devices. Familiarisation sessions can be repeated with refresher courses. The user is issued with a course certificate, giving the patient the assurance that the therapy devices are being used correctly. It goes without saying that only trained staff should use the devices.
• All measurements must be patient-friendly, i.e. they are carried out quickly, are non-invasive and radiation-free. The modalities are stipulated and standardised.
• The manufacturer provides the user (doctor/therapist) with detailed, complete documentation covering functionality and handling.
• It must be possible to keep records of therapy and measurement results, which must be helpful and easily understood by experts and patients alike.

Minimum requirements in brief for private use

• This is a medical device.
• The manufacturer warrants faultless use of the hardware and software.
• Feedback is provided about correct performance of the exercises.
• Application is easy to understand and intuitive.
• The device can be used in different places.
• The device is quick, motivating and patient-friendly to use.
• Correct positioning of the sensors is assured.
• All surfaces are easy to care for and clean.
• Software updates are available.

The following minimum requirements also apply to therapeutic use

• The measurement principle satisfies scientific criteria.
• The device should only be used by trained staff.
• The manufacturer offers corresponding refresher courses.
• The user is provided with full documentation from the manufacturer on use, handling and possible risks.
• The software assists the experts in compiling the therapy programme.
• All patient, therapy and measurement data are documented.

• Unfortunately none at the moment.