The Importance of Back Pain Management with AI-Powered GyroTrainer
Back pain is a common issue that affects many people, and it can lead to significant absences from work. According to the 2023 Health Report, back pain is one of the top reasons for sick notes submitted by employees.
Even young people are increasingly reporting back pain, and the economic impact of these ailments is estimated to be around 50 billion euros. Traditional treatments like physiotherapy and targeted muscle and coordination training are effective, but many patients tend to slip back into old habits.
To address this issue, a team of researchers has developed the GyroTrainer, a back muscle training device that uses AI to provide tailored exercises. The GyroTrainer is based on a round platform that can be tilted and rotated, similar to a gyroscope. Users step onto the platform and try to maintain their balance while sensors and electric motors below the platform register their movements.
The device also features a computer game where users control a spaceship that fires at targets while trying to maintain balance on the platform. The platform’s stiffness can be adjusted, and disruption factors like sudden rotations make the game more challenging, activating important back and abdominal muscles.
The research team has confirmed that the GyroTrainer effectively activates the muscles needed for spinal stability and can be used for both preventive and post-treatment purposes. They are working to make the device suitable for use without a physiotherapist or trainer, with the goal of integrating dynamic adjustments based on the user’s abilities, fatigue levels, and personal training progress.
Ultimately, the team hopes to make the GyroTrainer mobile and accessible for regular use in any living room. The AI-powered GyroTrainer represents a promising solution for managing back pain and promoting long-term back health.