NRAS has been working with the social enterprise Good Boost, who champion the phrase “Move More, Have Fun, Feel Better.” Their mission is to create more affordable and accessible options for MSK community health services, and they use technology at the forefront for change.
With growing numbers of physiotherapy and joint surgery appointments postponed due to Covid-19, their team of physiotherapists, osteopaths, MSK researchers, software engineers and AI specialists recognised the need for solutions providing personalised support at home. Since March, they have been working to redevelop their validated software (originally an AI powered aquatic rehabilitation program to be used on waterproof tablets in pools) to provide home-exercise programs delivered via an app on your phone or tablet. The team has also been running ‘virtual focus groups,’ inviting people living with a wide range of arthritis and pain conditions to offer their thoughts and feedback on the features, function and design of the app to make sure that it’s fit for purpose and easy to use. The NRAS Croydon and East Dorset local groups participated in this research.
The Good Boost app is due to be released on 31 July 2020. More information can be found at www.goodboost.org.