Gamified physiotherapy – it’s not just child’s play

Like many people, I’ve been guilty of not prioritising my at-home physiotherapy as much as I should. I know how crucial they are for recovery, but let’s face it—when you’re stuck doing the same repetitive movements over and over, it can feel more like a chore than a path to healing. Stick figures on paper just don’t inspire the same level of motivation, no matter how much we know they’re there to help us.

This was one of the reasons I decided to take part in Bupa’s eco-Disruptive program: to not only find ways to improve therapy outcomes for patients but also to challenge myself to think differently about how physio can be more engaging and effective for all. The experience has been nothing short of inspiring!

The perfect match

Through our process of scouting for a start-up, we came across LusioRehab, a developer of rehabilitation exercise therapy ecosystems and specifically LusioMate.

LusioMATE features a growing library of engaging games designed to entertain and motivate players through tailored physical training programs. Sensors attach to any part of the body, tracking movement and progress with precision. Clinicians can monitor progress remotely in real-time, adjusting therapy goals as needed. 

While the technology is amazing, what drew us in was their origin story which all began with one little boy.

The story began with Arshia, a 5-year-old boy living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) who struggled to complete his at-home physiotherapy. The routines prescribed by his clinician, were critical to help improve his mobility.  But the monotony and repetitive motions drained Arshia’s enthusiasm and motivation. Recognising this as a universal challenge, Arshia's doctor reached out to Armin, an innovator and robotic engineer. Armin knew the answer for Arshia - cars.  

He set to work, transforming an ordinary remote-controlled car into something extraordinary: a prototype that responded to Arshia’s wrist movements.  

As Arshia manoeuvred the car, his eyes lit up with delight. The once tedious therapy sessions were now exciting and engaging and Arshia began to do them consistently.  The foundation was laid for what would become Lusio Rehab. 

The possibilities are endless

For my team it was the genuine passion to improve therapy outcomes, and the scalability and sustainable mission of LusioRehab that made us excited to support this start-up. 

While the product was developed to support children living with a disability, it’s now being used in clinics and hospitals in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia for a range of conditions supporting children through to older people. 

At Bupa we trialled the innovation in one of our Aged Care homes in New Zealand and found it had a truly positive impact on residents in terms of joy and engagement. From a clinical perspective, the home’s physiotherapist noted its potential for a wide range of residents, from those with limited mobility to individuals living with Parkinson’s, who benefit from focusing on larger, purposeful movements.

LusioMATE aligns with Bupa’s ambition to give more customers the opportunity to actively interact with Bupa on our digital platforms and has enormous potential to transform therapy in Bupa’s aged care homes as well as for pre/post- surgery rehab. 

As we near the end of our eco-Disruptive journey, we are reminded of the profound impact we can have on lives like Arshia’s. Our commitment is unwavering: to empower people to engage with their at-home therapy to meet clinical goals and improve their quality and enjoyment of life.