FisioCloud: internet of things applied to the physiotherapy

• Grant number: 23/06589-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Agreement: FINEP - Centelha SP Program
• Principal Investigator: Ana Lídia Corrêa da Silva Moreira
• Grantee: Ana Lídia Corrêa da Silva Moreira
• Company: Fisiocloud Soluções Tecnológicas para a Saúde Ltda
• CNAE: Desenvolvimento e licenciamento de programas de computador customizáveis ; Desenvolvimento e licenciamento de programas de computador não-customizáveis ; Atividades de apoio à gestão de saúde
• City: São Paulo
• Associated research grant(s): 23/08479-5 - FisioCloud: internet of things applied to the physiotherapy, AP.PIPE

Abstract

The global demand for physiotherapy is growing rapidly due to population aging and better survival rates for patients with severe conditions or restrictions. According to the World Health Organization, 2.4 billion people experience a condition that could be reversed or improved with physiotherapy. Between 1990 and 2019, years lived with disability increased by almost 70%. By 2023, the global physiotherapy market is expected to reach over USD 165 billion. According to DATASUS and the Map of Supplementary Health, over 95 million physiotherapy consultations were carried out in 2019, with more than 49 million consultations from private health insurance and over 45 million consultations provided by SUS, the Brazilian public health system. The demand for physiotherapy services is expected to increase due to the accelerated aging of the Brazilian population, as shown by research from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). There is a positive correlation between age advancement and the greater need to seek physiotherapy services. FisioCloud is a startup that applies the Internet of Things to equipment used by patients in treatment and physiotherapy or rehabilitation. It is an integrated and intelligent solution capable of promoting health and adding value for patients, professionals, and public and private healthcare institutions. The project was born from the observation of the problems and losses generated by patients' lack of attendance and engagement in physiotherapy treatments. There was extensive research on the technological requirements necessary for the solution's development. We have formalized a partnership with the Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo to improve and validate our products within the best parameters of user experience and ensure the best engagement and potentialization of results and payment for software use. Santa Casa de São Paulo is the company's first customer and allows for testing of the software's functionalities and user impressions with their patients and physiotherapists. The developing application will be compatible with cellphones and tablets for Android and iOS systems and will use user experience and usability concepts for its construction, focusing mainly on users over 60 years of age. Its functionalities will consist of tutorial videos on the correct way to perform exercises and other relevant patient instructions, as well as pain tests and scales that the patient can respond to. The dynamometer is composed of a cylindrical body containing the force sensor, control circuits, and battery. A steel cable will connect the force sensor and the elastic element's fixing claw. At the other end of the elastic element, the claw, cable, and cylindrical body, with dimensions identical to the other body, however, without the force sensor and other components, will be connected. The measuring range will be from 0.5 kg to 50 kg. An electronic circuit will convert the electrical variations into a load information. The force sensor and reader circuit assembly will be properly calibrated to achieve the measuring range. The load information acquired by the reader will be transmitted to the device running the Fisiocloud application via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. To perform this function, a microcontrolled circuit with a BLE transmitter and receiver will read the sensor and transmit it at a rate of at least four samples per second. A rechargeable battery will supply the necessary energy for the dynamometer to remain in operation for eight continuous hours of use. (AU)