SHAPE: The Future of Physiotherapy in VR

The goal is to develop a user-friendly, AI-powered VR application that enables the delivery of personalised training programmes, real-time exercise monitoring, and automatic adjustments based on the patient’s pain levels and performance. Through remote treatment, patients can carry out their rehabilitation without needing to physically visit a physiotherapist.

SHAPE (Shoulder and Neck Health through Augmented Physical Exercise) is a European collaboration between SyncVR Medical (Netherlands), Curest AB, and Luleå University of Technology (Sweden). Together, the partners are developing an innovative solution to improve physiotherapy for neck and shoulder issues – using artificial intelligence and virtual reality (VR).

SHAPE addresses several challenges in today’s healthcare systems, such as poor adherence to physiotherapy programmes, a shortage of physiotherapists, and uneven access to care – particularly in rural areas. With this new technology, adherence rates are expected to increase to 80%, rehabilitation time to be halved, and physiotherapists’ time per patient reduced by up to 60%. Furthermore, the VR technology enables new methods for specific movement assessments that were previously only possible in advanced motion laboratories. These analyses form the basis for personalised treatment plans. The project is therefore fully aligned with the visions of both Precision Health and Integrated Care – two key priorities in the future of regional, national, and international healthcare.

The solution is based on advanced AI algorithms, head, arm, and eye movement tracking, and VR environments that together can detect impaired mobility and pain, enabling real-time treatment adjustments. The platform will include both physical and mental exercises, such as specifically tailored movement training and relaxation exercises for pain management. It will also feature an analysis tool that allows both patients and physiotherapists to easily track treatment progress.

SHAPE will be commercialised through a SaaS model targeting clinics, as well as direct sales to patients. SyncVR will manage sales through its digital platform, while Curest will do so via its digital clinic.

The project runs for 30 months with a total budget of approximately €1.6 million. Commercial launch is planned for 12 months after the project's completion.

Expected Outcomes of SHAPE:

- More efficient rehabilitation
- Improved access to care regardless of geographical location
- Reduced healthcare costs
- Lower climate impact due to fewer physical visits

SHAPE directly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals of Good Health and Well-being, and Reduced Inequalities in healthcare.

At Luleå University of Technology, two ongoing PhD projects will contribute to SHAPE’s development:

• Karin Forsberg: A research project in physiotherapy focused on developing and evaluating VR technology for assessment and training in neck injuries.

• Elin Ståhlman: A research project focused on rheumatic disease (ankylosing spondylitis/axial spondyloarthritis), in collaboration between physiotherapy and machine learning at LTU and the Rheumatology Clinic at Sunderby Hospital, Region Norrbotten. This project is part of LTU’s strategic research initiative Precise.

Additionally, master’s students at LTU are contributing to the project by conducting all or part of their thesis work within SHAPE.

The project lead for Luleå University of Technology is Ulrik Röijezon, Professor of Physiotherapy.