Completed Engineering NIHR-supported project

A new range of gym equipment that is fully connected online and would download the data into an associated app

In plain English

AI plain-English summary

A new treadmill can analyse how someone walks or runs without requiring wearable sensors or external cameras, and can also be used as a passive device to simulate exercises like a sledge push. This equipment is part of a broader range of connected gym machines—including aerobic and resistance devices, cable machines, and exercise tools—that upload data to a web-based app. The problem it addresses is the lack of integrated, sensor-free biomechanical analysis in standard rehabilitation equipment. Currently, assessing gait or movement patterns often requires separate, costly apparatus or wearable tech that can be impractical for patients recovering from injury or surgery. If adopted by the NHS, this technology could streamline rehabilitation in the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC). A patient could walk on the treadmill, have their movement analysed automatically, and have the data sent directly to their clinician via the app—without extra steps or equipment. The same machine could then be used for strength exercises like sled pushes, making it a versatile tool for a single rehabilitation session. The project is a commercial development aimed at bringing a specific product to market, not fundamental science. Its success depends on NHS adoption and integration into existing care pathways.

View original technical description
The aim is to support NHS adoption to bring to the market: - exercise machines, both aerobic and resistance - functional equipment (e.g. cable machines, exercise tools) - web based software - web based ‘apps’ The key peice of equipment, the treadmill, features two basic innovations firstly, it allows the possibility of executing a biomechanical analysis of walking and running seamlessly – without any wearable sensor and without the use of external analysis apparatus. Secondly, it allows the possibility to use the treadmill as a ‘passive’ device (e.g. to simulate sledge push). This will support a variety of rehabilitation needs if the technology can be adopted in the NRC.

Researchers

Silvano Zanuso (Principal Investigator)

Related Research

Grants with similar aims, by meaning.

DataGait: Gait as a Measure of Functional Mobility on Discharge
The Oxford CLEAR Pathway
Run3d limited: A novel prototype 3D-gait retraining system for diagnosis, correction and realtime monitoring of joint and muscular injuries.
GaitSmart: A cloud based sensor system to improve mobility through objective monitoring of gait
A virtual assistant for promoting independent recovery and wellness

Original classification

Working Age

Plain English summaries and category classifications on this site are generated by AI and may not perfectly reflect the original research.