PURPOSE

Physical Therapy (PT) Assist analyzes motion data collected on a smartphone to determine if a patient is performing their physical therapy exercises correctly at home. Following through with your home exercise plan (HEP) is a significant factor in achieving rehabilitation goals such as regaining physical function and reducing pain [1]. However, only 30% of patients follow through with their HEP, decreasing the effectiveness of patient outcomes [2]. Additionally, the majority of people do not perform their exercises correctly within just two weeks of instruction [3]. PT Assist aims to help fill this gap in HEP compliance and correctness and improve patient outcomes.

 

For this proof of concept, the mechanics for one common physical therapy exercise, the pallof press, are evaluated, but we hope to expand to more exercises in the future. We spoke to several physical therapists, all of whom were excited and interested in this becoming a product to help their patients.