Sensor-based Platform for the Accurate and Remote monitoring of Kine(ma)tics Linked to E-health (SPARKLE).

With more than 50% of the European population reporting significant musculoskeletal pain at one or more sites for at least one week in the last month, musculoskeletal conditions (MSC) are considered highly prevalent (Eurostat, 2012) and have a major impact on the quality of life of affected individuals and result in huge economic consequences for society. In the past decade, the increased understanding of the cellular and molecular disease processes contributing to MSC led to the availability of effective biological therapies (e.g. TNF inhibitors) in particular for inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis. However, optimal disease control is yet to be achieved, where in vitro and in vivo animal models point to the key role of biomechanical loading. To characterize a human model of musculoskeletal disease, the measurement of biomechanical loading in the patients real-life setting is required. This multidisciplinary project therefore aims to 1) develop a biomechanical model fueled by multimodal input from innovative and wearable sensors to measure loading outside the lab, 2) to develop smart algorithms to automate important clinical outcomes measures (e.g. movement quality and physical function) and to define a human model of MSC, 3) to develop a e-health platform that innovates the clinical assessment, treatment and follow-up by implementing this novel technology within a persuasive system (gamification).

Keywords:Spine, Rehabilitation, Gamification, Biomechanics, Health, MEMS, Sensors, Rheumatic disease

Disciplines:Sensors, biosensors and smart sensors, Other electrical and electronic engineering