Computer-Vision aided community back pain Physiotherapy services

Good Boost is a medical technology social enterprise supporting people living with MSK conditions in the UK. Good Boost positively impact users' health through the delivery of aquatic rehabilitation-exercise in public swimming pools and via its AI software on waterproof tablet computers.

In response to Covid-19, Good Boost has built upon its existing technology to design, build and deliver exercise software to be delivered in the safety and comfort of users' own homes. One-third of people living with an MSK condition are over 60-years old and a high proportion live with one or more long-term health condition such as diabetes or heart disease. As this population has an increased risk of health complications in the event of Covid-19 infection, it is essential that digital physiotherapy services are available at home. Due to the alteration and cancellation of physiotherapy and joint surgery services, Good Boost's individually-tailored rehabilitation exercises support the management of MSK conditions as the MSK health system work to overcome the challenges placed upon it by Covid-19\.

The focus of the technology in this project is the development of computer-vision technology (artificial intelligence video analysis) to assess the functional function and movement of people with back pain. Back pain affects one-third of the UK population every year with a huge impact on the health service and economy. The computer-vision technology will use existing cameras on phones/tablets/webcams to assess an individual's movement and function and recommend tailored self-management advice and rehabilitation exercises based on the computer-vision spinal assessment. This project includes the development of further computer-vision assessment movement and functional tests to screen for more serious back pain conditions that fall under the category of Axial Spondyloarthropathy (inflammatory spine arthritis). This life-long condition presents in the early twenties as 'regular' back pain. Due to its similarity to other non-serious back pain conditions, it has an average 8.5 year delay to diagnosis. The computer-vision system will enable the remote screening of these conditions following the best-practice in Physiotherapy movement assessment in screening and monitoring Axial Spondyloarthropathy.

Good Boost comprises an expert team of clinical and technology specialists with a successful track record of developing and delivering medical software and community health services on a national scale. The computer-vision tool will be promoted as a digital tool in collaboration with musculoskeletal charities to maximise visibility and uptake. The tool will be free to use for initial assessment to ensure nationwide accessibility. For ongoing assessments and individually-tailored rehabilitation exercises, users have the option to subscribe to the monthly Good Boost app (£4 per month).

This high-value project will support thousands of people in their own home to significantly improve their back pain, function and quality of life in addition to reducing the delay to diagnosis for Axial Spondyloarthropathy. The project will generate health cost savings and reduce the overall burden on the NHS during the pandemic and indefinitely provide a long-term community service that reduces car journeys and carbon emissions through remote physical function assessments.