Restore-MAM
Scheda del progetto
Dr. Sarah Ariatti
Professor Marco Invernizzi
Professor Alberto Dal Molin
Dr. Ines Basso
Dr. Lorenzo Lippi
Dr. Mauro Nascimben
After chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgical treatment, patients with breast cancer often report upper limb deficits and lymphedema in the ipsilateral arm. These symptoms affect more than 20% of patients who have undergone axillary incision. Both lymphedema, pain, and motor deficits can become chronic, significantly impacting not only the physical but also the psychological well-being of patients. Exercise, optimized for quantity and intensity, plays a crucial role in reducing the number and severity of side effects and contributes to improving the quality of life.
Furthermore, it has been shown that women with breast cancer who maintain appropriate physical activity have a lower risk of recurrence and the development of other chronic diseases, leading to better overall survival. The RESTORE-MAM project aims to utilize telemedicine to offer supportive therapies, improving upper limb functionality with personalized care through a mHealth app.
Contact:
Contact person
Lia Rimondini
Email
lia.rimondini@uniupo.it
Tel
+39 0321 660673
The project aims to develop a system for monitoring muscle activation in breast cancer patients, both pre- and post-treatment, using wearable sensors connected to smartphones. An app will suggest upper limb functional recovery exercises, monitor their execution in real-time, and collect data for remote evaluations by healthcare professionals.
The app will record medical history and treatment information to personalize exercises and questionnaires. Patients will view exercise videos on their smartphones, while EMG sensors will monitor muscle activity. All information will be stored on a remote server for monitoring by healthcare providers and to develop machine learning algorithms in the future. The app will also track the patient's health status through questionnaires.
The project introduces key innovations: the use of wearable electromyographic (EMG) devices for real-time monitoring of muscle activity, with immediate feedback; an app that provides electromyographic biofeedback to support and motivate correct exercise execution; customization of exercises and questionnaires based on medical history and treatment; use of EMG data to develop AI algorithms; creation of EMG indices to produce quantifiable indicators of muscle performance; app accessibility even without the EMG device; distribution of EMG sensors and remote monitoring for organized home care; and future extension of the app for other types of cancer.
The project will have a significant impact on patients by enhancing muscle monitoring and rehabilitation through wearable EMG devices that provide immediate feedback on muscle contractions and movements. This will enable healthcare providers to personalize rehabilitation programs. The app's electromyographic biofeedback will improve muscle control and performance, help prevent injuries, and encourage patients to perform exercises correctly. The collection and analysis of EMG data will facilitate the development of AI algorithms, continuously improving the service. The app will also be usable without the EMG device, extending benefits to more patients. Remote monitoring through EMG sensors will distribute the workload of healthcare providers and facilitate home care. In the future, the technology could be extended to assist patients with upper limb dysfunctions resulting from other types of cancer, broadening the project's positive impact.