Smart multifunctional textile with printed electronics to promote healthy ageing in musculoskeletal conditions

Now more than ever, it is necessary to implement a preventative care approach as opposed to reactive care for Musculoskeletal Disorders (osteoarthritis, knee pain, back pain) to improve the quality of life of an ever-ageing population. This enables significant time and resource savings whilst improving overall patient outcomes by providing tailored care based on objective, continuous data.

Treatment and rehabilitation for patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) currently relies on orthoses and the use of motion capture rooms to assess recovery and movement. However, these tend to be expensive and do not provide monitoring in real-life, everyday scenarios over a long period of time. Without appropriate, tailored treatment, patients who suffer from these chronic conditions end up needing surgery or suffer from lifelong disabilities. Additionally, clinicians are unable to assess progress in a way that is quick and objective.

The project Smart-MOTION offers a step-change in non-invasive continuous high-fidelity data collection across multiple clinically relevant parameters, to detect early changes and offer customised preventive and early treatment solutions.

Smart-MOTION will build on KYMIRA's award-winning sports clothing solutions, which will be adapted for patients with Musculoskeletal conditions. The project uses smart garments equipped with sensors that capture and integrate kinematic (movement) and physiological data during everyday movements and activities.

This easy-to-use, flexible smart garment with printed electronics can be worn by patients without interrupting their usual activities. Based on the data, personalised exercise and movement programmes can be provided to enable continuous improvement of musculoskeletal conditions and promote healthy ageing.