🤖 The impact of AI on physiotherapy: the future is here.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key enabler in today's physiotherapy landscape. This article explores the influence of AI in the field of physiotherapy, first defining what this technology is, before diving into two concrete examples of its use.

What is AI?

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to a field of computer science that aims to develop systems capable of performing intellectual tasks normally associated with human intelligence. These tasks include problem solving, learning, pattern recognition, natural language understanding, planning and other cognitive abilities. AI can be implemented through complex algorithms and computer models, enabling computer systems to make decisions, adapt to changing situations, and perform a variety of tasks without direct human intervention.

Is AI already being used in physiotherapy?

Although AI is present in practitioners' offices, it is often very discreet. Indeed, its most frequent use is in data analysis, which is carried out by machines for analysis and/or measurement purposes (such as video) and then adapted to the patient. In this context, the practitioner always remains the final decision-maker and always controls what he does with this analysis. Nevertheless, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of physiotherapy is beginning to make headway, particularly in the design of exercise programs.

This is what Portuguese-born SwordHealth, now based in New York, is working on, not least through the development of a solution to support patients at home. Using AI, SwordHealth is rethinking the personalization of rehabilitation programs through in-depth analysis of videos and data. This approach enables the creation of tailor-made programs, adapted to the specific needs of each patient, contributing to a more individualized approach to physical therapy. 

And in France, does this already exist or are there already companies offering AI?

Yes, some companies have already integrated AI into their products for physiotherapists, as in the case of Blueback, which is integrating it into the development and use of its new Deep EMG technology for in-depth analysis of the transverse muscle. Indeed, AI is particularly interesting when it comes to determining or detecting mathematical patterns in large amounts of data. Your little black box is full of resources!

And PT-Robots?

Intelligent rehabilitation companions: a less frequently explored aspect of AI in physiotherapy is the use of robots (which is very futuristic indeed). A concrete and innovative example is the massage robot developed by the Mayo Clinic. The field of robotics, linked to AI, finds a particular application in the field of massage. Mayo Clinic has developed a massage robot, as illustrated in this video. It analyzes the patient's tissues to determine the area where it is located and the force with which it will establish the massage, from a database of recorded movements adapted according to the pathology.

As the article in the May issue of Les Echos shows (Source French) , this idea of combining robotics and artificial intelligence has found an interesting field of experimentation in physiotherapy, with a massage robot and a relaxation robot.

AI, not just a trend.

The introduction of AI into physical therapy is not just a trend, but a significant development that is pushing the boundaries of personalized care. The impact of AI on physical therapy can be seen across mainstream and not-so-mainstream applications, all contributing to a more personalized, efficient and innovative approach to rehabilitative care. These advances testify to AI's continuing potential to fundamentally transform the way we approach physical recovery.

So AI or not AI?

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into physiotherapy offers significant benefits as well as presenting potential challenges. AI enables extreme personalization of rehabilitation programs by precisely identifying patients' specific needs. This personalization promotes more effective and targeted physiotherapy sessions. What's more, the real-time monitoring provided by AI contributes to injury prevention, enhancing safety during therapeutic interventions.

However, challenges remain, including obtaining quality data and the high cost of development. These obstacles could restrict the widespread adoption of AI in physical therapy, especially in developing countries where financial resources are limited.

In conclusion, AI is not yet part of the “direct” daily routine of practitioners, but they use it through the analysis data that is generated, as explained above. This may be reassuring, particularly in a human-oriented profession where contact is essential and, above all, part of the care process. Nevertheless, it is interesting to see how this transition can take place and could transform physiotherapy, offering individualized and innovative solutions. The intersection between AI, robotics and physiotherapy promises a future where care could be more effective, personalized and accessible.