SPARKLE - Sensor-based Platform for the Accurate and Remote monitoring of Kinematics Linked to E-health (SPARKLE)

From 01-10-2014 to 30-09-2018

Description

This IDO project is the first step to establish an interdisciplinary organization that will merge crucial and available expertise within the KU Leuven in order to build an innovative sensor-based e-health platform for the assessment of functioning and treatment of disability in MSC. The project on itself is intended to evolve to a long lasting research line within the KU Leuven on biomedical sensor-based e-health applications for musculoskeletal conditions and beyond.

Under the central coordination of the interdisciplinary organization, we aim to concurrently develop the following crucial components of the sensor-based e-health platform:

1) sensor hardware: as a first step we aim to build two wireless inertial measurement units (IMU) that are significantly smaller than their commercial counterparts, thus suitable for unobtrusive and accurate spinal and peripheral monitoring of joint kinematics for at least 24 hrs. 

2) real-time multimodal data processing algorithms: we first aim to develop a semi-automated algorithm to extract candidate IMU signal features (from data proof of concept BAN) that assess the ability to execute daily activities (activity capacity). 

3) mobile gamified applications that enable 24/7 intervention programs: It will be investigated how instantaneous feedback, based on the information retrieved from the sensors, should be provided and visualized to the patient. 

4) identify disease mechanisms and innovate assessment/care in spondyloarthritis: Because of both axial and peripheral musculoskeletal involvement, a mechanical contribution to disease (Lories, Nat Rev Rheumatol, 2011) and the possibility to accurately monitor processes of inflammation/damage in vivo, the focus on inflammatory arthropathy ‘spondyloarthritis’ within this IDO allows us to aim for a translational model to link biomechanical stress to human disease mechanisms in spondyloarthritis and beyond. 

Team

• Robert Puers, Co-promoter (External)
• Benedicte Vanwanseele, Co-promoter (External)
• Wim Dankaerts, Co-promoter (External)
• Sabine Van Huffel, Co-promoter
• Luc Geurts, Co-promoter
• Rene Westhovens, Promoter (External)
• Milica Milosevic, Team member

Financing

Funding: KU Leuven - Internal Funding KU Leuven

Program/Grant Type: BOF-Research - BOF Research Programmes