Lytham business launches AI-powered knee physiotherapy device

A Lytham-based company is assisting those suffering from arthritis of the knee and requiring physiotherapy, in hospital or at home, either before or after an operation.

Ai Rehab’s solution is Slider, an Artificial Intelligence-driven exercise and remote physiotherapy device, with independent validation by the NHS, following use by patients on the NHS knee surgery waiting list.

The in-depth experience of an orthopaedic surgeon and team of physiotherapists, who have assisted patients with pre-op and post-op exercise regimes, combined with that of leading engineers, to create Slider. These professionals worked closely with the world-renowned Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry.

Slider is already being used by private individuals, as well as knee patients of an NHS hospital in Scotland.  More take-up is expected soon in other parts of Scotland and Ai Rehab hopes to break into the US market in the coming months.  

With a 8.9 per cent vacancy rate for physiotherapists in England reported in February this year, Slider is viewed as a physiotherapy solution that can fill the gap in physiotherapy provision for knee arthritis sufferers, both within the NHS and by users who want the solution at home.

Using Slider at home, with remote professional supervision, requires the user to just place the device under their heel, to carry out quick, easy-to-do and fundamental knee exercises. These are tracked for force and motion, via remote and wearable sensors that measure exercise compliance and progress and which trigger alerts if goals are not reached. 

The tedium of physiotherapy exercises for patients is then reduced via gamification and Slider computer games, viewable on a computer tablet wirelessly connected to the device. To score points, players need to use leg movements which, probably unknown to them, assist knee function.  This also highlights whether or not correct exercise performance is being achieved.

Those who have had access to Slider have spoken positively about the impacts of using the device.  

Sir Tim Smit KBE, co-founder of the Eden Project says: “Surgeons everywhere should shout a loud hurrah at such a device which enables patients to help themselves and so enhance their prospects of recovery.”

Susan said: “Since starting, my knees have been less stiff and painful and my muscles more toned.  Post-op, this will put me in a much better position to be mobile again. I would recommend the Slider system to anyone with arthritic knees, without reservation.”

Aileen noted: "Before my knee surgery, I had the opportunity to take part in a 2 week trial with Slider.  Not only did the Slider build my muscles around my knee, it also gave me a little more flexibility.  I had a full knee replacement 9 days ago and now realise the benefit of having used the Slider prior to my operation.”

Slider can send data to any approved health professional treating the user and exercises can be remotely adjusted, as required. Slider may also send early-stage warnings of potential issues and complications.   

“Slider is a huge ally for knee arthritis sufferers” says Ai Rehab’s CEO, Mr Sampath.  “It reduces the need for physiotherapy appointments too, saving time for the patient and for the NHS.  By allowing Slider to take the pressure off their physiotherapy departments, the NHS could also achieve significant cost and time savings.  This is why we have already had a Scottish hospital adopt our ground-breaking device.”

Until more hospitals follow suit, anyone wanting a Slider can take advantage of a launch offer of £35 per week, for a minimum of 10 weeks.  This includes an initial in-person delivery from a Slider expert, with online and phone support from a real person thereafter.  Hospitals or physiotherapists wishing to buy in larger quantities can access trade pricing. 

To enquire about accessing Slider email [email protected]  More information is at https://airehab.com