A novel IoT system for remote monitoring in geriatric rehabilitation

This paper presents the design, development, and implementation of a geriatric rehabilitation kit consisting of four dynamic stations, aimed at improving the physical and cognitive well-being of older adults through the use of emerging technologies. The system employs specialized sensors, computer vision, interactive games, a web-based video game, and MQTT communication. It operates on an architecture of ESP32 development boards, sensors, and a VPS server for real-time data storage and analysis. Each geriatric station was designed to stimulate specific abilities: motor activity with a pedal board and video game, agility and memory through a cognitive panel, gait cycle rehabilitation with artificial vision, and balance improvement with the stairs and slope monitored by sensors. The results obtained from experimental tests conducted with geriatric patients at a senior care center demonstrated significant improvements in their physical and cognitive performance, as evidenced by the collected metrics and historical chart analysis. The combination of different sensors and their programming facilitates key data collection, optimizing physical therapy processes and promoting active aging. Furthermore, high acceptance was observed among patients and healthcare professionals, who highlighted the motivation the kit generates and the usefulness of remote monitoring. It is concluded that the kit not only promotes active aging but also represents a viable, scalable, and low-cost solution for physical therapy centers.