EThe main objective of the project “Spinertial: Intelligent System for Cervical Monitoring and Training”, promoted by the Physioengineering work group, formed by Andoni Carrasco from the Department of Physiotherapy, and Alejandro Portela and Xavier Marimon from the Bioengineering Institute of Technology, is the development of a Spinertial device. The device allows professionals to assess and treat injuries of the cervical spine such as the much feared whiplash or chronic neck pain.

As the researchers explained, “as a result of the collaboration between the areas of physiotherapy and bioengineering we have managed to develop a device that contributes to the rehabilitation of patients with pain in the cervical spine”. “With the funding received in the UIC Barcelona Open Innovation call we have continued working to improve the hardware of the Spinertial device, so that it currently allows us to easily assess the mobility and strength of the patient’s neck. This way the treatment will be personalised to each patient, adapting the resistance of the device to their needs,” they added. As the researchers stressed, “the Spinertial is easy to use, so that the device can be used by patients from home after prescription from their corresponding health care provider.”  

The team of researchers has begun to validate the device, which is already patented nationally and is in the application process for both  Europe and the USA.  They are testing it on patients in a randomised controlled clinical trial and “the results obtained are very positive, so we are currently working to validate it in a clinical setting”, they explained.

With this initiative, UIC Barcelona once again reaffirms its commitment to research in the field of health, as well contributing to synergies between different areas of knowledge that share the intention to develop solutions that contribute to improving people’s health.

The UIC Barcelona Open Innovation | UICInnovació 2023 call aims to help finance valorisation projects of research results and has the participation of Banco Santander.
 

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