SARA: Subjective and Objective Data Acquisition for Physiotherapy Treatment Support

Abstract

The work of physiotherapists is very important for the cure of patients. Physiotherapy has a long historical background. Physiotherapists are working almost manually, treat pain and movement restrictions, support rehabilitation and support the recovering of strength and wellbeing. The healing of the patients is a slow process and subjective impressions about pain or discomfort are important for the quality and adjustment of the treatment. The quality of treatment is dependent by the skills and knowledge of the therapist. Unfortunately, objective indicators of a good or successful treatment in the area of physiotherapy are rare; a comprehensive documentation after the therapy is often missing. With SARA, a platform for physiotherapy treatment support, the physiotherapist have received a new tool that allows an objective assessment of the treatment progress, the condition of their patients, and a documentation about the physical performance and further needs. This paper describes the concept and the measurement methods for the unobtrusive monitoring of the treatment quality and the results of the therapy.