Chronic pain is a widespread issue among older adults, significantly impacting their quality of life and contributing to frailty. Traditional methods of assessing pain, such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), rely heavily on subjective input, which can be inconsistent and inadequate for providing a precise evaluation. With Rosita Longevity, we aim to disrupt conventional pain management by introducing innovative, non-intrusive solutions based on artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision, transforming how chronic pain is assessed and treated.

In collaboration with the PAIN Project, part of the Inside-U initiative, Rosita is advancing the use of cutting-edge technologies to develop new health indicators that not only help manage chronic pain but also address its relationship to frailty in individuals over the age of 65.

Context of the Project

Chronic pain, particularly in areas like the shoulder and cervical spine, is prevalent among older adults and often accompanies degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis. The current clinical practice relies on treatments like glucocorticoids or even surgery, but there is growing evidence that physical therapy can be just as effective—if not more so—at improving functionality and reducing pain in the long term.

The PAIN Project, carried out by Hearts Radiant under the framework of the Consolidation of the Business Value Chain Program, seeks to offer a new approach to managing chronic musculoskeletal pain through vision-based AI techniques. The goal is to develop methods that objectively assess pain and improve patients' mobility, allowing them to manage their conditions more effectively without relying solely on invasive treatments.

How Rosita is Leveraging AI and Computer Vision

At the core of the project lies the use of artificial vision algorithms to monitor joint mobility and quantify the level of chronic pain. We hypothesize that by using AI techniques, specifically computer vision, we can accurately assess the functional limitations caused by pain and monitor its progression over time. These assessments are performed through a series of joint exercises that evaluate shoulder and cervical mobility, using AI to categorize pain levels and track improvements following personalized physical therapy programs.

We’ve integrated these capabilities directly into the Rosita Longevity app, which provides users with guided exercise programs designed to alleviate chronic pain. Through the app, AI algorithms analyze video footage of the users performing their exercises, evaluating their range of motion and detecting any restrictions that may indicate higher levels of pain.

The exercises focus on the mobility of the shoulders and cervical spine, assessing motions such as flexion, extension, rotation, and abduction. By using vision algorithms like OpenCV and Mediapipe, we can automatically track key joint movements, compare them to normative data, and establish correlations between pain levels and joint mobility.

Objectives and Results Achieved

The overall objective of the project is to develop a complete solution for the non-intrusive evaluation and treatment of chronic pain in older adults, especially those at risk of frailty. The specific goals include:

1. Defining joint exercises that can accurately assess pain levels.

2. Selecting the most appropriate AI techniques for analyzing these exercises.

3. Building a master database that includes clinical and functional data from the users.

4. Analyzing the data to correlate mobility ranges with frailty or other clinical variables.

5. Developing AI models that differentiate between robust, pre-frail, and frail individuals based on their movement data.

So far, the project has seen significant progress in the development of these tools. A pilot study conducted at the Balneario de Cofrentes focused on individuals suffering from shoulder or cervical pain. Participants performed a set of functional tests, which were analyzed using the AI tools integrated into the Rosita app.

The Role of Physical Therapy

A major component of the project is demonstrating that physical therapy, when guided by AI, can be just as effective as traditional medical interventions, such as steroid injections or surgery, for managing chronic pain. Participants in our study were divided into three groups: one undergoing water-based therapy, another following land-based therapy, and a control group without any therapeutic intervention.

The results indicated that both the water-based and land-based therapies were highly effective in improving joint mobility and reducing pain levels. Interestingly, no significant difference was found between the two therapies, suggesting that the mode of physical therapy can be tailored to the individual’s preferences without compromising results.

Additionally, the long-term study included an intervention through the Rosita Longevity app, where participants performed their exercises at home for a period of 6 to 9 months. Data collected from these users not only validated the effectiveness of the exercises but also highlighted the potential of remote monitoring and therapy through AI-driven tools.

Impact on Frailty

Chronic pain is a known contributor to frailty, as it can significantly limit mobility and independence in older adults. By improving mobility and managing pain, we are also addressing the root causes of frailty, helping users maintain their autonomy for longer. The AI models developed in the project are capable of predicting the progression of frailty based on mobility data, offering clinicians new ways to intervene early and prevent further decline.

Concluding Thoughts

The PAIN Project, in collaboration with Rosita Longevity, is paving the way for a new era in chronic pain management. By utilizing advanced AI and vision technologies, we are transforming how pain is measured and treated, providing older adults with innovative, non-invasive solutions to manage their health and improve their quality of life.

As we continue to refine our models and gather more data, the potential for AI in healthcare becomes clearer. Through Rosita, we are not only addressing chronic pain but also contributing to the fight against frailty, ultimately helping older adults live healthier, more independent lives