Wearable technology in patient education

Wearables are being increasingly used to offer real-time data collection to enhance monitoring.

Examples of wearables:

• Apple Watch & Fitbit: Monitor heart rate, steps, and mobility trends.
• DorsaVi: Motion analysis sensors track joint movement and muscle activation.
• KneeKG: A specialised knee motion wearable for post-surgical rehab.

Case study

• Baseline assessment: Before starting rehabilitation, the physiotherapist used DorsaVi sensors to analyse asymmetries in knee movement and weight distribution, helping to establish a baseline for progress tracking.
• Ongoing feedback: The athlete performed controlled exercises while wearing the sensors, receiving instant biofeedback on his form and range of motion. This allowed for immediate corrections, improving movement efficiency.
• Remote monitoring and adjustments: The data collected was sent to the physiotherapist’s dashboard, allowing for real-time monitoring and adaptive exercise programming. If progress plateaued, modifications could be made without requiring an in-person appointment.
• Motivation and engagement: The athlete could visualise his improvements over time, reinforcing adherence to the rehab plan and providing reassurance that he was regaining strength and mobility.
• Return-to-play decision: After four months, a final DorsaVi assessment compared pre- and post-rehab movement metrics. The physiotherapist and sports physician used this data to confirm that the player had regained sufficient strength and symmetry to safely return to sport.

The use of DorsaVi in this case provides objective, measurable data to enhance patient engagement, optimise rehabilitation programming, and ensure a safe return to activity. The patient reported increased confidence in his recovery and knowledge of what was needed to maximise his recovery, as the data-driven approach reassured him that he was progressing effectively.