Development of an intelligent robotic knee device to support and monitor rehabilitation therapy for the ageing population with knee osteoarthritis
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of chronic pain and disability in older people. Rehabilitation exercise is an essential treatment to reduce osteoarthritis pain, improve knee function and increase mobility. It is important for clinicians to be able to monitor certain signals such as load (weight) and motion during the exercise, so that they can develop a personalised rehabilitation plan for each patient. Currently, clinicians have no access to these signals and they have to use questionnaires and simple functional tests to evaluate the effect of the exercises. This relies heavily on individual experience rather than personalised monitoring, so patients often do not receive the best treatment to meet their needs.
This project will develop a knee device to support and monitor rehabilitation and provide scientific evidence for clinicians to evaluate the rehabilitation progress for their patients. This will ensure that patients get the best rehabilitation treatment which will relieve pain, improve overall physical knee function and prevent disability.
Patients will wear the device during their rehabilitation exercises and daily activities. Real-time feedback from the device will enable patients to monitor and manage their rehabilitation progress. Physiotherapists can adjust the exercise programme remotely to meet the patients' individual needs by analysing signals collected from the device. Patients will also get real-time muscle support from the device to help them achieve exercise goals or do daily activities such as walking, gardening or climbing stairs. With this device, older people can enjoy physical activities, living longer and more fulfilling lives.
This project will develop a knee device to support and monitor rehabilitation and provide scientific evidence for clinicians to evaluate the rehabilitation progress for their patients. This will ensure that patients get the best rehabilitation treatment which will relieve pain, improve overall physical knee function and prevent disability.
Patients will wear the device during their rehabilitation exercises and daily activities. Real-time feedback from the device will enable patients to monitor and manage their rehabilitation progress. Physiotherapists can adjust the exercise programme remotely to meet the patients' individual needs by analysing signals collected from the device. Patients will also get real-time muscle support from the device to help them achieve exercise goals or do daily activities such as walking, gardening or climbing stairs. With this device, older people can enjoy physical activities, living longer and more fulfilling lives.
Publications
Alabdullah M
(2023)
A WEARABLE SENSING SYSTEM FOR CONTINUOUS MONITORING OF KNEE CONDITION
in Orthopaedic Proceedings
Liu A
(2023)
OPTIMIZING KNEE JOINT REHABILITATION USING ROBOTIC ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN AN INTELLIGENT WEARABLE KNEE BRACE
in Orthopaedic Proceedings
| Description | The main achievement of this project was that the knee device prototypes were successfully tested and evaluated with human participants in the laboratory. A wearable sensing system monitoring knee range of motion was developed to provide remote feedback to clinicians and real-time guidance for patients. A prototype of an exoskeleton providing dynamic motion assistance and resistance was developed to help patients complete their exercise goals and strengthen their muscles. The accuracy and reliability of those functions were validated in human participants during exercises including knee flexion/extension (FE) in bed and in a chair, sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit. The knee motion measurement from the sensing system showed high accuracy in human participants. The real-time knee motion data during exercises showed that the desired exoskeleton rotation fitted well with the participant's knee rotation. This indicated the exoskeleton could coordinate with the participant's knee motion by providing consistent motion assistance. A user interface to provide feedback to patients and clinician is under development. |
| Exploitation Route | We are currently starting the patent application for the current technology. The finding will be published for others to use once the patent has been filed. |
| Sectors | Healthcare |
| Description | The PI's story as a research leader in this technology development was published in the Further Together series at the University of Leeds, which was to inspire younger generations, to celebrate the excellent, impactful and collaborative work. (https://spotlight.leeds.ac.uk/further-together/). The engagement activities with the participants by demonstrating the technology have helped raise awareness of the benefit of physical exercises in knee pain populations, which also stimulated their interest in participating in research. We have received a very higher number of interest in participating in a sub-project ( knee exercises survey) recently and many of them have attended our previous activities. The PI) was invited to present at the "Ask the Researcher" public event, hosted by NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre in November 2023. The audience comprised knee patients from across the Leeds region. The focal point of the presentation was the development of this novel knee device. Following the talk, the PI engaged in discussions with the patients, gathering valuable feedback that significantly informed the refinement of the prototype. This event played a pivotal role in heightening awareness surrounding the advancements in knee pain management technology, sparking interest among attendees to potentially engage in future research endeavors. Moreover, the event garnered attention from the wider local community, including Your Healthwatch Leeds. As a result, the project manager invited the PI to deliver a talk to their community members, further amplifying the outreach of this research. Such active engagement is instrumental in elevating awareness regarding knee pain issues and the innovative technological solutions aimed at addressing them. Ultimately, this outreach empowers individuals to take proactive measures to manage their health effectively. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Healthcare |
| Impact Types | Cultural Societal |
| Description | FBS Impact and Innovation funding FY2022- 2023 |
| Amount | £19,973 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Leeds |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2023 |
| End | 10/2023 |
| Description | FREEpHRI: Flexible, Robust and Efficient physical Human-robot Interaction with iterative learning and self-triggered role adaption |
| Amount | £331,094 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/V057782/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2022 |
| End | 01/2023 |
| Description | Global challenges and opportunities in knee robotic rehabilitation technology development |
| Amount | £24,996 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | NGR1\1459 |
| Organisation | Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 03/2025 |
| Description | Lectureship start up grant |
| Amount | £30,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Leeds |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | |
| Description | Multimodal Data-based Digital Intelligent Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment Research in the Training Environment |
| Amount | £12,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | IES\R3\233204 |
| Organisation | The Royal Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2024 |
| End | 02/2026 |
| Description | Transforming Knee Osteoarthritis Management: AI-driven Prediction and Cost-effective Rehabilitation Device Development |
| Amount | £64,500 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | TSP-2325-5-IN\109 |
| Organisation | Royal Academy of Engineering |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2023 |
| End | 01/2025 |
| Description | UKRI Impact Acceleration Account - University of Leeds |
| Amount | £39,970 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Leeds |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2023 |
| End | 12/2023 |
| Title | Knee exoskeleton prototype validation data |
| Description | Knee exoskeleton prototype validation data from laboratory trial sessions: The quantitative datasets include knee motion data (knee flexion/ extension data) from participants during different exercises. The qualitative datasets include videos and images of participants trying the knee exoskeleton in the laboratory. Lab trial protocol and agenda. Consent forms, participant information sheet and questionnaires. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | This dataset has helped the validation of the knee prototype and improved the performance of the device. |
| Title | Knee prototype design algorithm |
| Description | These are quantitative datasets for the knee prototype design and testing, include engineering diagrams for exoskeleton design drawings, sensor data processing algorithms and exoskeleton controlling algorithms. |
| Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
| Year Produced | 2022 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | This dataset has been used in our group to refine the prototype design. |
| Description | Industry partnership |
| Organisation | Steeper Group |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Hospitals |
| PI Contribution | We have organised four collaboration meetings with Steeper Orthotics, one of the UK's largest suppliers of orthotic and orthopaedic products and services to the NHS. We discussed the collaborations with their representatives, Ian Rodger (Director Prosthetic Services at Steeper), Andrew Nicol (Clinical service Director at steeper), Mark Smith (Senior Clinical Services Manager at Steeper). We have invited them to the lab and showed them the demonstration of the knee device prototype. We have sent them the proof of market report, under the protection of a Non-Disclosure Agreement, for them to evaluate the market potential of this wearable technology. We have proposed a few ideas about the collaborations such as applying a KTP project funding and future grant funding application such as MRC DPFS. |
| Collaborator Contribution | They are very keen on the co-development of the technology. They agreed to serve as advisors to co-develop the research design of this project and provide feedback on system performance.They have confirmed that they will be an external partner for our MRC DPFS application without any further conditions needing to be met at this stage. |
| Impact | We are still discussing the collaboration project now, the University is involved in this partnership by providing documenting or resources supporting such as ensuring Non-Disclosure Agreement is in place. |
| Start Year | 2022 |
| Description | Ask the Researcher Public Talk event |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | This event was organised by NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre. The participants are knee patients from local communities. The PI gave a talk on the knee device development to the participants and had a discussion afterwards. The participants gave their opinions on the technology and registered their interest in participant the laboratory device trial session later this year. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| URL | https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/biological-sciences/events/event/145/ask-the-researcher-with-... |
| Description | Clinical consultation meetings |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I have regular clinician consultation meetings with my clinical partners including Prof. Philip Conaghan, Prof. Anthony Redmond and Mr. Sanjeev Anand. The outcomes include: 1)Clinical advice on the project plan; 2) Clinical expectations of the device such as function and appearance; 3)Strategies for regular clinicians/physiotherapists and patients engagement. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
| Description | IP landscaping meetings |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I have regular IP landscaping meetings with Gemma Jones, an IP and patent consultant from the University of Leeds, to discuss IP landscaping and protection strategies. The outcomes include: 1) Patent search strategies such as identify keywords; 2) Initial technology assessment; 3) IP protection strategies. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
| Description | Interview for University of Leeds Michael Beverley Innovation Fellowship |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I was interviewed by the University of Leeds as an award holder of Michael Beverley Innovation Fellowship. I discussed this knee device project and shared my experience in leading a commercialisation project as an academic. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwP3MvbJ-pk |
| Description | Patient group workshops |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Patients, carers and/or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | 7 knee patients attended the patient focus group meeting. They provided feedback on the device design proposal which helped identify the design priorities. Another patient workshop is planned for May 2022. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
| Description | Silver Linings business pitch competition |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I was shortlisted as the finalist for Silver Linings business pitch competition. I presented my project " Empower your knee &move free" in the final event. I won the People's Choice Award. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.silverliningscompetition.com/business-plan/ |
| Description | Stratified and precision therapies workshop (Centre for HealthTech Innovation) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | Participates for this workshops are academic researchers, clinicians in NHS, people from medical device companies. Two new contacts were made and potential collaboration ideas have been explored during the follow up meetings. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |