Scientific group works on AI system to treat neuromuscular disorders

AREQUIPA, Peru – Scientists from Spain, Germany, Brazil and Panama are working to develop a personalized neuromechanical model based on artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the rehabilitation of patients with motor conditions in the hand after suffering a stroke or spinal cord injury.

A report from the EFE agency indicates that the AI ​​system is carried out within the framework of an international project led by the Human Robotics (HURO) research group of the University of Alicante (UA).

HURO researcher and project coordinator, Andrés Úbeda, commented that the purpose of this work is “to provide an AI system that can monitor and offer a personalized hand rehabilitation intervention based on the amount of electrical activity generated by the muscles. ”.

Called Myorehab, the project implements cutting-edge technologies, such as high-density electromyography, and gamified virtual activities to improve and monitor rehabilitation in a large number of patients.

According to Úbeda, rehabilitation treatments for neuromuscular disorders vary according to clinical centers and health systems, “so a standardized model is needed that can be replicated in any country.”

One of the main difficulties of treatment is being able to make a quantitative evaluation of how the patient improves. It is at this point where the Myorehab project will help both the rehabilitation professional and the patient to evaluate the complete process from the beginning of the sessions.

“The goal of this project is to reach the clinical intervention phase where Conventional therapy will be complemented with this novel technology to improve recovery by providing patients with more engaging and effective rehabilitation activities. Specifically, from the UA we will collaborate with patients affected by stroke at the Alicante General Hospital,” explained the specialist.

The project will be divided into three phases. In the validation phase, the technology and rehabilitation protocols will be implemented and tested in healthy individuals.

In clinical evaluation, technology will be used to extract useful clinical metrics to readapt physiotherapies more efficiently and effectively. In the clinical intervention phase, conventional physiotherapy will be complemented with this novel project to improve recovery by providing patients with more attractive and effective rehabilitation activities.