On the move at MEDICA 2023 – PHYSIO TECH highlight tour
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Image: Symbolic image for the work in the SmartGAIT Lab at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences; Copyright: Koblenz University of Applied Sciences

Koblenz University of Applied Sciences

Studying at the intersection: sports medicine technology

19.11.2024

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.
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Image: Female athlete sprinting on a track in a stadium

Competence center: Supporting athletes after a cancer diagnosis

23.10.2024

The "German Competence Centre for Competitive Sports and Cancer" (KLiK) was founded at the Centre for Integrated Oncology at the University Hospital of Cologne (CIO) in cooperation with the German Sport University, offering specialized advice and support to competitive athletes with cancer.
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Image: A man jogging looks at his wristwatch and wears a wearable on his other arm

New technologies in sports: from injury prevention to sports management

26.06.2024

Athletes are under great pressure to consistently deliver top performance. Technological aids are increasingly being used to support them in this. Artificial intelligence (AI) in particular shows great potential to change sports in the long term and effectively support athletes.
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Two men in suits in an exhibition hall at MEDICA, one interviewing the other; copyright: beta-web | Messe Düsseldorf

On the move at MEDICA 2023 – PHYSIO TECH highlight tour

15.11.2023

PHYSIO TECH is one of the five Spheres of MEDICA. Here, visitors will find products and exhibitors relating to physiotherapy, rehabilitation and sport – in other words, everything that keeps people fit and moving. But this topic is no longer about colorful training aids made of plastic or rubber; smart applications and robotics have long since found their way here too.
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A man in a suit being interviewed, the MEDICA medical technology trade fair logo on the microphone; copyright: beta-web | Messe Düsseldorf

Rehabilitation through specialized treadmill technology – WOODWAY

14.11.2023

WOODWAY, a leader in treadmill innovation for medical rehabilitation, brings over 40 years of expertise to MEDICA 2023. They consistently deliver tailored, state-of-the-art solutions for optimal fitness and rehabilitation results. In our interview, discover WOODWAY's specialized equipment and their unique treadmill technology.
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Image: Young girl does movement exercises with a tension band; Copyright: University of Jyväskylä

University of Jyväskylä

Cerebral Palsy: multicomponent exercise improves physical functioning in children and young adults

13.10.2023

A new study carried out at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, found that an individually tailored exercise program improves motor function, muscle strength and joint mobility in children and young adults with CP.
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Image: A woman sits on a prototype of an optimized office chair; Copyright: TU Dresden

TU Dresden

Sensor and software to promote office staff’s physical activity

11.10.2023

TU Dresden researchers have analyzed the mechanics of office chairs and developed a sensor that, in combination with a dedicated software, can in the future help employees move more and more consciously during office work.
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Image: Two men and a woman pose with the BIXEPS device; Copyright: National University of Singapore

National University of Singapore

Weekly magnetic muscle therapy improves mobility and lean body mass in older adults

30.05.2023

A decline in functional mobility, loss of muscle strength and an increase in body fats are often associated with ageing. This trend could potentially be reversed by way of an innovative magnetic muscle therapy pioneered by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS).
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Image: Elderly woman in physical rehabilitation with a dumbbell assisted by a physiotherapist; Copyright: bialasiewicz

bialasiewicz

Physical activity crucial for poststroke recovery

05.05.2023

After a stroke, physical activity can be pivotal to successful recovery. People who spend four hours a week exercising after their stroke achieve better functional recovery within six months than those who do not, a University of Gothenburg study shows.
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 Image: Person walking with his back to the camera on a treadmill in front of a monitor that analyzes and displays information on body posture; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf

Messe Düsseldorf

3D Motion Analysis: Postural patterns in patients with hemophilia

27.04.2023

Usually, the solutions for monitoring heart failure are implantable and thus come with the risks of surgery. A research project has now developed a noninvasive solution based on sensor technology integrated into a wearable belt.
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Image: An insole is made on a 3D printer; Copyright: Marco Binelli / ETH Zürich

Marco Binelli / ETH Zürich

3D-printed insoles measure sole pressure directly in the shoe

24.03.2023

Researchers at ETH Zurich, Empa and EPFL are developing a 3D-printed insole with integrated sensors that allows the pressure of the sole to be measured in the shoe and thus during any activity.
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Image: Close-up of a wrist wearing a smartwatch; Copyright: Tima Miroshnichenko, Pexels

Tima Miroshnichenko, Pexels

Digital tools make physical exercise programmes more effective and easier to stick with

23.03.2023

Physical exercise programmes tend to be more effective and easier to stick with when they have been prescribed via mobile digital devices rather than in person or without technological support.
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Image: Balance exercises outdoors. Mature woman standing on one leg exercising balance; Copyright: microgen

microgen

Poor balance may indicate changes in brain volume

06.03.2023

In a study recently published in Gait & Posture, researchers from the University of Tsukuba have revealed that the volume of the hippocampus is correlated with a measure of balance ability in healthy older people.
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Image: Mattias Ekstedt, senior associate professor at Linköping smiles at the camera; Copyright: Thor Balkhed/Linköping University

Thor Balkhed/Linköping University

Adverse muscle composition associated with increased mortality risk in people with fatty liver disease

01.03.2023

Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to an increasing number of people developing fatty liver disease. There is a need for early detection of individuals at risk of developing sequelae.
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Image: old man falls to the ground and touches his forehead; Copyright: LightFieldStudios

LightFieldStudios

Balance ability predicts cognitive impairment

28.02.2023

In a study recently published in BMC Geriatrics, researchers from the University of Tsukuba have revealed a new measure of physical balance that could help to identify individuals who are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD).
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Image: A physiotherapist is doing a leg exercise with a woman who is wearing an orthosis; Copyright: Wavebreakmedia

Wavebreakmedia

Muscles and nervous system: Space research helps combat degeneration

30.01.2023

Injuries do not just happen to athletes: along with surgeries, they are often the reason for prolonged bed rest. Meanwhile, extended physical inactivity can trigger changes in muscles and the nervous system. Sports medicine wants to counteract these negative effects and use insights from space research in the future.
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Image: X-ray of the hip with a hip fracture; Copyright: Booyabazooka

Booyabazooka

Mechanical stimulation could be used to prevent falls and strengthen muscles

24.01.2023

Mechanical vibrations could help improve our muscles and our balance control, according to research at Aston University. Researchers in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences have examined the effect of stimulation on muscle spindles which ‘speak’ to the central nervous system to help keep us upright and walk straight.
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Image: A patient is examined and measured for seated knee extension speed, quadriceps strength, knee range of motion, and knee pain; Copyright: Osaka Metropolitan University

Osaka Metropolitan University

Total knee arthroplasty: Faster knee for better walking

19.01.2023

Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have revealed that knee extension velocity while seated is a stronger predictor of walking performance than muscle strength in elderly patients after their total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery.
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Devices to wear today – Highlight tour at WT | Wearable Technologies Show

15.11.2022

Small and large, visible and invisible, for pain relief, for monitoring chronic diseases or as a support in everyday life – wearables come in many forms today. At MEDICA, the WT | Wearable Technologies Show has established itself as a joint stand for exhibitors from this sector. We talked to some of them on our tour.
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Virtual treatment relieves therapists – Gamification for a successful therapy

08.08.2022

Immerse yourself into strange worlds, solve tasks, experience adventures – computer games look especially realistic in Virtual Reality. Medicine is also making good use of virtual worlds: With CUREO, the CUREosity GmbH from Düsseldorf has developed a VR system for physiotherapy and Ergotherapy.
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Image: a group of sprinters on a running track; Copyright: sportpoint74

sportpoint74

Technology in sports – the importance of striking the right balance between unlimited power and powerlessness

08.06.2022

Wearables, smart textiles, or the oft-cited video assistant referee – technology has become an integral part of the professional sports world. But what happens when technology gains the upper hand?
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Image: A physiotherapist with a patient in a practice room. The patient is sitting at an exercise machine with a monitor in front of him; Copyright: prostooleh

prostooleh

Fighting monotony with apps: Exergames in physiotherapy

01.06.2022

Gamification has long since made its way into modern physical therapy. Games make it easy for people of all ages to enjoy their exercises. And that in turn contributes to the success of therapy – whether after a sports injury or in exercise therapy for children. Find out more in our Topic of the Month.
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Image: A woman is standing in her living room and performs a fitness exercise while wearing VR goggles; Copyright: Prostock-studio

Prostock-studio

Exergames: leveraging the fun of games to support therapy

01.06.2022

Some patients need physiotherapy after suffering an injury, but the process can be tough and tedious. Depending on the indication, this may necessitate multiple treatment sessions that can span several weeks. Added to this are therapy exercises patients should do at home. The amount of training and repetitions can make it difficult to stay engaged. Gamification in therapy can boost motivation.
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Image: A man is standing inside a cube with three walls where a virtual game is projected and is touching a point at the wall; Copyright: ZHAW Departement Gesundheit, Bewegungslabor

ZHAW Departement Gesundheit, Bewegungslabor

Rehabilitation after sports injury: Gamification of exercises in the ExerCube

01.06.2022

Returning to a sport after injury can be demanding and arduous as athletes often need to undergo lengthy rehabilitation. Yet even after they have physically recovered from their injury, some may experience mental issues that can make it difficult to return to play and competition. Exercises that combine physical and mental training and challenges in a game setting can be an effective solution.
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Mysterious patterns – Infrared thermography for sports medicine performance diagnostics

07.01.2022

Using a high-resolution infrared camera, sports scientists from the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have discovered how blood flow in the human skin changes during exercise. They now want to exactly quantify these changes with machine vision and thus gain knowledge for performance diagnostics and beyond.
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Image: A prototype wearable sensor,; Copyright: KAUST; Olga Kasimova

KAUST; Olga Kasimova

Fitness sensor warns when you're at your limits

04.01.2022

Wearable device alerts users about muscle fatigue by monitoring pH levels of sweat. Ultrathin nanomaterials, known as MXenes, are poised to make it easier to monitor a person’s well-being by analyzing their perspiration.
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Image: Platzhalter; Copyright: beta-web/Reck

Sports medicine & physiotherapy: from training equipment to playful rehabilitation

16.11.2021

Sports medicine and physiotherapy involve many different types of equipment - from cardiovascular training to joint mobilization and playful rehabilitation. You can get an insight into the different products in our photo gallery from MEDICA 2021.
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Image: a woman on an OR table; Copyright: PantherMedia/ArturVerkhovetskiy

PantherMedia/ArturVerkhovetskiy

Identifying risks before surgery - with simple means

08.10.2021

Risks during surgery, especially cardiological risks, are still very high in the Western world. However, conventional methods for measuring such risks before surgery are costly or even not always meaningful. And increasing economization in hospitals also makes it more difficult for staff to find time for a comprehensive pre-op analysis.
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Image: A man in a blue shirt is sitting at his desks and performs stretching exercises; Copyright: PantherMedia/Andriy Pipov

PantherMedia/Andriy Pipov

Everyday physical activity: out of shape thanks to the Corona pandemic?

22.09.2021

Social distancing, working from home, limited social activities: the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted many people to become more inactive, sedentary, and therefore more susceptible to ailments. Simple fitness programs and regular exercises can help counteract the negative effects of inertness. And paradoxical as it may sound, the pandemic also gives us the chance to get moving again.
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Image: Senior woman holding the hand of a doctor; Copyright: PantherMedia/Lighthunter

PantherMedia/Lighthunter

Rehab device enables stroke patients with arm disabilities to do more physical training

02.09.2021

The GribAble device, created by researchers at Imperial College London and clinicians at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, consists of a lightweight electronic handgrip that interacts wirelessly with a standard PC tablet to enable the user to play arm-training games.
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Image: woman wearing sports clothing stretches her leg, she wears a smart watch; Copyright: PantherMedia/Maridav (YAYMicro)

Wearables: smart helpers in sports medicine

01.09.2021

Heart rate monitoring, step-counting, sleep tracking: Wearable technologies keep evolving, offering more and more useful applications. Usually worn close to and/or on the surface of the skin, they are equipped with special sensors to detect and analyze information concerning physical signals or ambient data. This allows wearers to get immediate biofeedback.
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Image: a woman with dark hair doing sit ups, wearing a fitnesstracker; Copyright: Robert Bosch GmbH

Robert Bosch GmbH

Avoid injuries, improve training – with self-learning sensors

01.09.2021

Artificial intelligence, sensors, wearables: they all collect and process data from their wearers. They are particularly popular in sports, because users no longer have to rely on their intuition, but can optimise their training based on sober, exact data. However, wearables are often criticized for being not only practical gadgets but also data krakens.
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Image: Person on a treadmill wears a smart watch which shows his or her heart rate; Copyright: PantherMedia/apid

More than trendy accessories: training optimization with the help of wearables

01.09.2021

Wearables are increasingly being used in sports medicine, for example, to prevent injuries or to provide users individually with real-time data about their fitness and health. By analyzing this data, risks for sports injuries can be identified early and training can be customized to the user's needs and goals.
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Image: View from behind at a runner in starting position, the sole of his shoe is in the foreground; Copyright: PantherMedia/Sorapop Udomsri

PantherMedia/Sorapop Udomsri

Motion analysis: wearable sensors versus laboratory

17.03.2021

In professional sports, motion analysis helps improve an athlete's performance and avoid injury. The process is complex and therefore conducted in dedicated laboratories. At the virtual MEDICA MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE 2020, Prof. Stephan Odenwald explained how motion analysis could become more widely accessible in the future thanks to mobile, wearable sensors.
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Image: Transmission of medical data of an athlete to a laptop; Copyright: PantherMedia / Viktor Cap

PantherMedia / Viktor Cap

Sports medicine software: Monitoring at the push of a button

22.05.2020

Athletes not only have to be fit and stay in shape, but they also have to achieve peak performance, especially when they get ready for athletic events. Optimized and individualized performance training requires data from external laboratories and institutes. The [i/med] Sports platform from DORNER Health IT Solutions provides a complete workflow − from anamnesis to diagnostic report.
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Image: two athletes at the startline for a race; Copyright: panthermedia.net/vitalikradko

panthermedia.net/vitalikradko

Sports Hub project changes sports medicine with big data and AI

22.10.2019

Professor Jarek Krajewski sat down for a MEDICA interview and delivered a detailed description of the Sports Hub project. It highlights how big data and AI transform the world of sports medicine. The project delivers new insights and provides a versatile database.
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Image: A biker is riding on rocky ground in a steppe; Copyright: panthermedia.net/Daxiao Productions

panthermedia.net/Daxiao Productions

Triathlete Sebastian Kienle: wearables and body awareness improve athletic performance

09.09.2019

A 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.20 km) run – that’s the Ironman Triathlon. Triathletes like Sebastian Kienle are constantly working to push beyond their limits. At the 7th MEDICA MEDICINE + SPORTS CONFERENCE on November 20 - 21, you can meet Kienle in person.
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Sports medicine: Neuromuscular training for optimal performance

20.08.2019

Movement, strength and coordination - after injuries as well as in healthy athletes, these three components must be intact for movements to run smoothly. At the Beta Klinik in Bonn, Dr. Markus Klingenberg, a specialist in orthopaedics, trauma surgery and sports medicine, offers neuromuscular training with a playful character that can be adapted to the patient's needs.
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Training partner robot – This is the rehabilitation of the future

16.08.2019

In medicine, robots are already taking over tasks that only a few years ago were exclusively in human hands. Especially in the field of rehabilitation, they will play a major role in the future. In the "RoSylerNT" project of the German Sport University Cologne, a robot arm from KUKA is being used here for training purposes. Find out why a robot is the right training partner!
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Image: Marathon runner; Copyright: panthermedia.net/adamgregor

Sports medicine – keep moving to stay healthy

01.07.2019

Physical activity plays a big role in today's society. Whether you are an amateur or professional athlete – incorporating exercise into your life positively impacts your mental and physical health. Ideally, sport should be fun, pressure-free and not overburden you. But can you measure individual performance and align it with sports?
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Image: High jump of an athlete; Copyright: panthermedia.net/Moodbaord

Training and rehabilitation: fit thanks to hover technology

01.07.2019

Amateur and professional athletes are susceptible to sports injuries, balance disorders or deficits in motor function and posture. Prevention and the right training can help avoid these incidents, while targeted therapy can support a return to sports after an injury.
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Image: senior coughing man with cigarette; Copyright: panthermedia.net/ljsphotography

All-round care for COPD: diagnosis, treatment, self-management

01.03.2019

COPD affects more than 200 million people in the world. Those affected by this chronic pulmonary disease are often slow to notice the symptoms and get a medical diagnosis. This results in secondary complications and high medical costs. That's why an early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and frequent monitoring are very important. Various devices and tools support this all-round care.
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