A lot of companies have championed the benefits of devices like Fitbit to help engage patients in their healthcare and track their progress in a trend that’s referred to as the quantified self. Instead of apps, Respondesign wants to improve adherence for physical therapy through an interactive remote-monitoring platform using Microsoft’s Kinect motion-sensor technology and avatars that serve as personal fitness coaches.
Its Fitworld program is designed to be used in rehabilitation facilities and in homes. Led by CEO Ted Spooner, the bootstrapped company was founded in 2004 and presented at the venture fair at the American Telemedicine Association conference in Austin last week.
Respondesign is seeking $2.5 million for product development and to expand sales and marketing.
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Although it has previously focused on weight loss and general health improvement, it sees the $29 billion physical therapy industry as a relatively untapped market and ripe for opportunity. It sees it as a way to improve poor adherence, particularly for elderly patients recovering from joint replacement surgery, by removing one potential hurdle for patients with mobility issues: getting to physical therapy appointments.
The Portland, Oregon, company’s biggest customer to date is Genesis Rehab Services. Genesis is rolling out its Fitworld platform to 1,100 rehab centers in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and retirement communities across the United States. It’s gearing up to launch Fitworld in homes this summer. Other companies also see value in pursuing this market.
Reflexion Health’s Rehabilitation Tracker has exercises, instructional videos and patient-education material designed to be prescribed by physicians and personalized to the needs of each patient. The software allows a physician and physical therapist to track the performance and adherence of their patient. Home Team Therapy is using online video and video games to engage patients with their physical therapy from home.
