AUXILLIUM: Every Day Solution for Knee Health

Abstract

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries, annually impacting millions worldwide, significantly disrupt knee function and health. ACL, a critical knee joint stabilizer, requires intensive, long-term physiotherapy post-injury to restore and prevent further damage. However, therapy adherence proves challenging due to factors like time restrictions, motivation, and non-linear progress-tracking difficulties. Addressing these challenges is 'Auxillium,' a transformative soft exo-brace integrating support, real-time monitoring, and remote therapy facilitation. This stateof- the-art wearable device employs advanced sensor technology to redefine ACL rehabilitation, significantly enhancing user compliance with therapy routines. Further enriched by an interactive application, Auxillium empowers patients with a holistic view of knee health, form correction, and rehabilitation progress. Its intuitive features engage users in the proactive management of their recovery. The impact of Auxillium was evaluated through an experimental study among two groups of ACLinjured patients: one combined Auxillium with traditional physiotherapy, and the other underwent conventional rehabilitation alone. Assessments at baseline, six weeks, 12 weeks, and six months showcased superior performance from the Auxillium group, underscoring the product's substantial role in enhancing rehabilitation outcomes. Auxilium's user-friendly design was observed to bolster compliance levels, indicating a promising trajectory toward improved patient adherence. With Auxillium, patients navigate knee rehabilitation systematically, reducing recurrence risk and promoting better knee health. This research spotlights Auxilium's potential in amplifying ACL rehabilitation via innovative design and user engagement. It exemplifies how product design can drive health outcomes and user experiences, paving the way for future advancements in assistive rehabilitation technology.