KneTex

 

Smart Healing: Sensor-Assisted Treatment of Cruciate Ligament Tears

 

The aim of the KneTex project is to develop textile-integrated sensors for feedback-supported rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament surgery. Together with the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Krefeld, and the Institute for Psychophysiology GmbH, Düsseldorf, the company Bache GmbH will be working on this project over the next three years to develop an innovative product for the end user.

 

A cruciate ligament tear is one of the most common and long-lasting sports injuries. Incorrect strain during the healing process or rehabilitation can lead to further damage. To address this, the KneTex project developed a smart textile knee brace equipped with sensors that monitor movement and strain, providing real-time feedback through vibration to prevent improper knee alignment.

In Germany, a cruciate ligament tears approximately every six and a half minutes, with over 80,000 cases annually and more than a million globally. This injury, especially prevalent in sports like football and skiing, often affects the anterior cruciate ligament and can lead to long-term instability, even after successful surgery. The high risk of relapse and further knee damage underscores the need for effective rehabilitation solutions.

 

 

 

 

 

The ERDF-funded KneTex research project brought together interdisciplinary expertise from the Institute for Experimental Psychophysiology, Bache Innovative, and Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences. Experts in healthcare, electrical engineering, computer science, textile technology, and design collaborated to create an innovative, user-centered solution.

The resulting knee brace integrates advanced textile sensors and an intuitive vibration feedback system to support rehabilitation and improve movement patterns. By recording leg movements and providing immediate feedback, the brace helps patients avoid improper strain, encouraging healing-friendly behavior. Linked to an interface for patients and physiotherapists, it enables data tracking and informed therapeutic adjustments.

 

This cutting-edge wearable technology aims to optimize recovery after anterior cruciate ligament injuries, offering a more effective and user-focused approach to rehabilitation.

 

 

This project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

 

Learn more about this project

https://www.efre.nrw.de/daten-fakten/gute-praxisbeispiele/knetex