Technological innovation SmartForward 4 Health

For more effective recovery after hip surgery.

SmartForward 4 Health is being developed by Embedded Fitness with the help of the MIT scheme. A grant for feasibility research and R&D.

In 2010, about 19,000 people received a new hip. With the aging of the Dutch population, this trend is likely to continue. A further increase in the number of hip replacement surgeries, has the effect of increasing the demand for rehabilitation care. This is increasing the pressure on physical and/or occupational therapists and rehabilitation physicians. Costs are high because of the long treatment pathways.

Older people who stay active are more self-reliant

It is very important for the elderly, even after rehabilitation, to remain physically active and do regular exercises. This is to prevent or delay both physical and mental (dementia) problems. Less and less elderly people have an immediate caregiver around them who can encourage and support them in this.

Need for efficient and better treatment methods

The goal of the multidisciplinary team in a rehabilitation program is to return the client to independent living as soon as possible. Given the increasing pressure, long treatment pathways and high costs, efficient and better treatment methods are needed. Technological capabilities respond to this need of physical and/or occupational therapists.

More effective recovery through SmartForward 4 Health

The SmartForward 4 Health interactive training system makes rehabilitation after hip surgery more fun, faster and cheaper! The solution consists of hardware -interactive lights- supplemented by an app that can be used to create a personal training program. We use various digital technologies to do so: AI, smart sensorics, gamification & data for personalized care.

Greater understanding of the quality and added value of treatments

SmartForward 4 Health will have the ability to store personal results. These are readable by doctors and therapists (subject to privacy laws). Which allows the therapist to make adjustments, as needed. Which leads to faster and better recovery.

Having fun, continuing to practice more and for longer periods of time

Making exercises more fun will increase compliance. The exercises are easy, and at low cost, for the patient to do at home. Because the exercises become more fun and measurable, we believe that even after rehabilitation, patients will continue to do the exercises (or more). Which ultimately enables people to live independently and in good health for longer.