Wearable sensor relieves back pain via video game-like interactive exercises

Judging solely by the statistics, back pain isn't just a problem, it's essentially a plague.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, about one in 10 Americans are experiencing lower back pain at any given time, and half of all U.S. workers admit to having back pain symptoms each year. After upper-respiratory infections, back pain is the second-most-common reason for visiting the doctor's office, and the annual treatment of back pain costs "at least $50 billion," according to the ACA.

That leads to a lot of lost work time, higher insurance premiums and diminished productivity. But treating back pain via traditional physical therapy can be painful and - even worse - boring, according to Swiss-based medical device company Hocoma, at least.

This January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Hocoma unveiled the Valedo, an interactive movement sensor that helps relieve back pain and increase range of motion via video game-like interaction.

Valedo users wear a pair of rechargeable 1.2-ounce sensors attached by tape strips to their lower backs and chest. The sensors collect information about body position and motion via a built-in gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer. Using Bluetooth Low Energy Technology, this data is then translated into the movement of digital characters in more than 50 interactive "games" playable via a free iOS or Android app on a connected mobile device.

The sensors monitor proper replication of 17 movements, such as torso side bends, sitting core twists and hip side tilts. The users own movement in response to each game is tracked in real-time, and if they aren't replicating an exercise properly, the sensor will alert them and the performance of their digital avatar will suffer.

According to Hocoma, the games and the motions they encourage users to perform were developed by "movement scientists and physiotherapists" to help train back muscles that are rarely engaged during classic sporting activities.

Achieving optimal results requires 20 minutes of training a day, and the Valedo app provides feedback after every session to track users' progress and provide statistics they can share with their therapist.

Valedo is available through the company's online store as well as via Amazon. The $359 kit includes two motion sensors, 100 medical tape strips, a USB charging cable and portable case. One hundred-pack refills of the tape are $11, and users who prefer a reusable training belt to the adhesive strips can buy belts to hold the sensors for $29 each.

Upcoming Events