An AI-Enabled Low-Cost Wearable to Support Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: A Proof of Concept

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders remain one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Although multi-modal physiotherapy, an approach that combines manual therapy, exercise therapy and education is the recommended core treatment, many patients continue to face challenges. Adhering to prescribed home exercise programs, staying motivated and performing exercises correctly are amongst the major obstacles faced in the absence of therapist supervision, which can significantly impact treatment outcomes. This pilot study explores the potential to integrate an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled chatbot with a novel electromyography (EMG) device to enhance engagement and performance as part of MSK rehabilitation. Fifteen healthy adults played two versions of a game, one with the AI chatbot and one without, with the device positioned on the forearm to measure Electromyography (EMG) signals and control the game. The AI-enabled game was associated with a statistically significant increase in muscle activity and game performance. However, no statistically significant differences were identified for engagement based on assessments using the Game Engagement Questionnaire (GEQ). These findings suggest that while AI can increase physical engagement and task execution, further investigation is needed to understand the impact on user engagement. This study lays the groundwork for future research on AI-driven home-based MSK rehabilitation.Clinical relevance- These preliminary findings inform the development of a program of work that aims to establish the role of AI for supporting engagement with home-based exercises among patients requiring rehabilitation for MSK conditions.