Discover how the TherapEase initiative is transforming physical rehabilitation, making it more accessible and effective through innovative and personalised technological solutions
HSC – Healthy Smart Cities, supported by the COMPETE 2030 programme, is spearheading the TherapEase: Rehabilitation therapy at ease operation, an innovative initiative set to revolutionise the field of physical rehabilitation through a disruptive digital approach. This project aims to develop a telerehabilitation platform enabling patients to perform therapeutic exercises in the comfort of their homes while maintaining high standards of efficacy and personalisation.
According to Ana Luís Pereira, co-founder and CEO of HSC-Healthy Smart Cities, “As the leader of the TherapEase operation, I am thrilled about the transformative potential this initiative holds for the future of digital healthcare. Scheduled to commence in December, this project seeks to develop an innovative telerehabilitation platform employing artificial intelligence and computer vision to allow patients to perform rehabilitation exercises at home, with real-time monitoring and correction.”
A Sustainable Future for Digital Health
TherapEase aligns with the strategic priorities set by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its digital health plan for Europe (2023-2030). The platform addresses critical gaps by promoting access to quality essential care, enhancing digital health literacy, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
The project aims to develop an agnostic and adaptable technology, enabling the platform to be used by patients with various conditions, such as post-stroke rehabilitation, cardiac or respiratory rehabilitation, or post-surgical recovery. To achieve this, the consortium led by HSC includes companies like Everythink and Sensing Future, as well as renowned academic and clinical partners such as the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave and several Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation units.
Cutting-Edge Technology at the Service of Patients
TherapEase is built upon four fundamental pillars:
Ana Luís Pereira emphasises that “with the support of COMPETE 2030, we will mobilise an excellent multidisciplinary team and invest in the advanced technologies required to achieve the ambitious goals we have set. This funding will be crucial for advancing a robust and adaptable solution for various conditions, promoting more personalised, accessible, and sustainable rehabilitation care.”
Innovation with Global Impact
The TherapEase platform boasts unique features that distinguish it in the global telerehabilitation market. Key innovations include:
The objective is to progress from an initial Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3-4 to TRL 7-8, culminating in an integrated platform certified as a Class IIa medical device.
Ana Luís Pereira highlights the expected impact: “I am confident that TherapEase will herald a new era in digital rehabilitation, positioning us at the forefront of innovation and significantly improving patients’ quality of life. This initiative will exemplify how technology and collaboration can address accessibility and sustainability challenges in the healthcare sector.”
A New Era for Rehabilitation
With the potential to reduce inequalities in healthcare access, improve the efficiency of the National Health Service, and promote patient independence, TherapEase emerges as a response to the growing demand for more accessible and effective rehabilitation services.
The operation will not only contribute to technological advancements in the healthcare sector but also reinforce Portugal’s leadership in digital medicine and telerehabilitation.
Support from COMPETE 2030
The operation’s eligible investment amounts to €1.820.391, of which €1.423.320 are ERDF incentives through COMPETE 2030.
Links
Healthy Smart Cities | Website
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