Master's Research Project ( - July 2025)
ICUrWave: Interactive NMES Therapy Training Tool Design for Physiotherapists
ICUrWave is a Mobile Interactive NMES Therapy Training App designed as a refresher for physiotherapists to review their knowledge and maintain or refine their NMES therapy skills.
[Target Audience] Targeting all-level physiotherapists (including students)
who already have fundamental theoretical knowledge of NMES, but less confident applying it in clinical situation(especially unresponsive patients in ICU).
[Project Goals] Build confidence in applying NMES for unresponsive ICU patients
Long-term goal: Promote NMES as a practical option when other therapies are limited by patient condition or resource availability
[Problem] Complexity of NMES Application and Challenge in Learning
Effectively applying neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) involves multiple layers of complexity: identifying motor points, positioning electrodes accurately, and adjusting stimulation parameters based on treatment goals. Achieving optimal muscle contraction demands practical experience, yet access to hands-on training is often limited. Moreover, eliciting patient feedback is essential to tailor treatment strategies in real time.
[Our Visual Solution]
🔹 Patient scenario-based decision modules that provide an engaging, practical learning experience
🔹 Interactive 3D muscle model with motor point mapping to enhance spatial understanding
🔹 Visualize animated muscle contraction responses and alert cues, such as patient discomfort indicated through their facial expressions.
🔹 Access anytime, anywhere (Advantage of mobile app)
Initial Concept Wireframe for Main Scene
🔹 Patient Scenario Selection based on Treatment Goals
Users can select specific scenarios under three main treatment goals: increasing muscle strength, enhancing muscle endurance, and improving range of motion. For example, a stroke patient in the ICU falls under 'Increase Muscle Strength'.
User Learning Goal #1 Finding Motor Points
User Learning Goal #2 Choosing the Appropriate Stimulation Parameters
User Learning Goal #3 Practicing How to Monitor Patient Discomfort
User Learning Goal #4 Practicing How to Recognize the Full Contraction of Muscle
Pop up panel to access info pages
Scenario Selection based on treatment goal
Detailed patient information
🔹 Feature1: Selecting the Appropriate Treatment Area and Stimulation Parameters
Step-by-Step Guidance, Treatment Area
Step-by-Step Guidance, Work/Rest/Cycle Setting
Step-by-Step Guidance, Intensity/Frequency/Duration Setting
Treatment Area Selection
Immediate Feedback for Wrong Selection
Change Patient Positioning
Stimulation Parameter Set Up - Preset Values
🔹 Feature2: Electrode Placement - Size Selection, 3 way toggle button
Users can choose electrode sizes and drag them onto the treatment area
3-way toggle button enables them to switch views between the skin layer and the motor point area
Drag and Drop Electrodes - Immediate Feedback
Drag and Drop Electrodes - Skin Layer
Drag and Drop Electrodes - Muscle Layer
Drag and Drop Electrodes - MP Layer
Drag and Drop Electrodes - Tibialis anterior
Reset Button for Repositioning
🔹 Feature3: Patient Monitoring - Detect discomfort via subtle facial expression changes
The patient facial expression animation plays only during the work time.
Patient discomfort decreases as the user lowers the intensity value.
Literature Reference
CPOT Score1
CPOT Score2
CPOT Score3
Additional Reference
