The main objective of the Spinertial device is to help in the prevention and rehabilitation of the cervical area, both for the patient at home and for specialists in clinical use. The device makes it possible to personalise the exercises and adapt them to the needs of each patient.

As explained by the project leaders, Andoni Carrasco, researcher in the department of Physiotherapy, and Alejandro Portela and Xavier Marimon from the Bioengineering Institute of Technology at UIC Barcelona, “Many people suffer from pain in the cervical spine and, due to location or resources, have limited access to rehabilitation programmes, resulting in slower recovery.” To provide a solution to this issue, the researchers have developed Spinertial, a device that can strengthen the cervical area both in a clinical setting and in the patient's own home. "Scientific evidence shows that cervical strengthening improves and prevents pain in the cervical area," they add.

The innovative device developed by the multidisciplinary team of researchers from the fields of physiotherapy and bioengineering has a modular and functional architecture that helps measure and personalise the treatment required by each patient. Once personalised, the exercise programme can be developed both in a clinical care setting and at home, given how easy Spinertial is to use.

To date, the research team has validated the device in patients through a randomised controlled clinical trial. "The clinical evidence and the results obtained show that the device works, so we expect a significant impact of Spinertial not only in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, but also in increasing patients' access to this treatment, and thereby improving their quality of life," say the researchers.