Studying at the intersection: sports medicine technology

By combining engineering and sports medicine, students in Germany at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences are being prepared to develop new solutions for patients and athletes. In an interview with MEDICA-tradefair.com, course director Prof. Lukas Scheef describes the unique aspects of this engineering degree.

What are the differences between this degree program and sports science?

Prof. Lukas Scheef: A lot of technology is used in sports and we have found that general medical technology training is too general for this. We focus on the analysis of movements, muscle loads and the development of new methods and techniques that are used in sports. Mathematics and physics modules are therefore just as much a part of the coursework as measurement technology, mathematical methods in sport, practical programming or performance diagnostics. Wearables are also a topic. These are electronics that can be worn directly in or on the body, such as heart rate monitors. It's not just about movement-related data, but also about things like heart rate, heart rate variability, stress levels and sleep quality. The transition to classic medical technology is fluid.

What roles do AI, wearables and sensors play in your studies?

Scheef: AI-related topics are more relevant in advanced studies, for example in practical projects, the bachelor’s thesis or in the master’s degree course in Applied Physics with a focus on sports medicine technology. One example of this is our SmartGAITLab, a laboratory for AI-supported gait analysis, in which we investigate stumbling and falling.

We are particularly interested in the preliminary stages, i.e. near-falls. With the help of AI, we want to detect movement abnormalities early on, before falls occur. If we can better understand when, where and why near-falls occur, measures can be taken before older people have accidents. AI has the potential to predict the onset and development of diseases and the consequences of therapeutic approaches. This would enable model-based medicine with a predictive approach. We are trying to develop the sensor technology required for this, which records the relevant parameters, in our "wearable laboratory".

What challenges arise when integrating sports medicine technologies into competitive sport?

Scheef: Many of our students come from the world of competitive sports. With us, they can further develop sports equipment themselves, investigate biomechanical issues or work on methods to improve performance diagnostics. One project, for example, aims to continuously record lactate concentration, blood sugar and the concentration of electrolytes. This would make it possible to optimize both training and competition and reduce risks.

We are also working on the development of microneedle systems for biochemical analysis. You can think of it as a laboratory on the skin that continuously records and analyzes data on the body's condition. The difficulty lies in making this suitable for everyday use.

What role does collaboration with sports clinics, research institutes and the organization of practical training play?

Scheef: Practical relevance is an important aspect. We encourage students to work in the labs and develop their own ideas at an early stage. The further the students progress in their studies, the more "open" and practice-oriented the projects become. We also offer students the opportunity to develop their own projects with our StartUpLab, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Students are encouraged to carry out practical projects and bachelor’s theses in industry. This is often their first employer after graduation. We also support students in their search for suitable positions. We work closely with companies such as Lohmann Medical and the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA) in St. Augustin. We have contacts with clinics, orthopedic technology, sports equipment manufacturers and insurance companies. We are part of the Institute for Medical Technology and Information Processing (MTI), which we manage together with the University of Koblenz and clinical colleagues.

What are the current research projects and what are the career opportunities for graduates?

Scheef: The industry is asking for sports medicine technology and they can see that we offer a broad education. Our graduates work in the development of sports equipment, from sports shoe development to the optimization of bicycle frames or the development of new fitness equipment. Orthopedic technology is another possible career field for graduates, as is the entire medical technology sector. Considering that some of the software and hardware used to capture movements is also used in the Hollywood film industry for avatars, the "dream factory" is also a potential employer.