Title: Development of an intelligent robotic knee device to support and monitor rehabilitation therapy for the ageing population with knee osteoarthritis
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: This proposal aims to validate and refine a knee device prototype with end-users. The objectives are shown below: 1. To test and evaluate the prototype with end-users. The prototype will be integrated with a sensing system (knee motion signal collecting and processing), an exoskeleton (muscle support) and an interfacing system (for patients and clinicians). It is designed to measure the knee range of motion, provide muscle support and provide real-time feedback to both patients and clinicians. Health volunteers and knee osteoarthritis patients will be recruited to this validation study. They will wear the prototype to perform different types of rehabilitation exercises in the designated lab space. The accuracy and reliability of the system will be evaluated. 2. To improve the functionality and usability of the prototype by engaging with end-users. End-users, older patients with knee osteoarthritis, will be engaged and involved in different stages of the project to gain a better understanding of the patients which will make sure the prototype design focus on the users and their need in each phase of the design process. Knee exoskeleton prototype testing workshops and patient Interface testing workshops will be held to gain feedback from the patients to improve the functionality and performance of the device. 3. To develop strategies for IP protection generated from this project and to identify a consultant to carry out patent landscaping. 4. To develop clinical partnership and get clinical advice on the prototype development by holding clinical consultation meetings and co-design workshops. NHS partnership will be developed and strengthened to help the research move to later clinical trials. 5. To explore collaboration opportunities and build collaborative relationships with industry partners to speed up the translation of the technology by holding meetings and visiting the potential partners. Collaborations opportunities throughout the product development pipeline from idea, design, manufacture to market will be sought. 6.To explore potential partners in other disciplines such as social science to gain their insights into the social impact of the product. Multidisciplinary meetings and workshops will be held to engage with partners and inform the design practice.

Lay abstract: Knee osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of chronic pain and disability in older people. Rehabilitation exercise is an essential treatment to reduce osteoarthritis pain, improve knee function and increase mobility. It is important for clinicians to be able to monitor certain signals such as load (weight) and motion during the exercise, so that they can develop a personalised rehabilitation plan for each patient. Currently, clinicians have no access to these signals and they have to use questionnaires and simple functional tests to evaluate the effect of the exercises. This relies heavily on individual experience rather than personalised monitoring, so patients often do not receive the best treatment to meet their needs. This project will develop a knee device to support and monitor rehabilitation and provide scientific evidence for clinicians to evaluate the rehabilitation progress for their patients. This will ensure that patients get the best rehabilitation treatment which will relieve pain, improve overall physical knee function and prevent disability. Patients will wear the device during their rehabilitation exercises and daily activities. Real-time feedback from the device will enable patients to monitor and manage their rehabilitation progress. Physiotherapists can adjust the exercise programme remotely to meet the patients' individual needs by analysing signals collected from the device. Patients will also get real-time muscle support from the device to help them achieve exercise goals or do daily activities such as walking, gardening or climbing stairs. With this device, older people can enjoy physical activities, living longer and more fulfilling lives.

Research activity codes: 6.3 MEDICAL DEVICES;6.7 PHYSICAL
Health categories: MUSCULOSKELETAL