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Photos: A peek at the future of telemedicine
Could games be the way to stay fit and healthy?

By Natasha Lomas

Published: Thursday 10 July 2008

Spanish telco Telefonica has been showcasing some of the research underway at its e-health facility in Granada - one of seven R&D facilities the company has worldwide, employing more than 1,900 people. Telefonica claims to have spent more than £4.3bn on 'innovation' last year.

Pictured above is a broadband-based telemedicine tech which could help doctors remotely monitor patients recovering from injury by ensuring their rehabilitation is on track.

The patient attaches a small accelerometer device to - for instance - their leg. This device communicates with the PC via Bluetooth and the patient's leg movements appear on screen, via an avatar.

As the patient exercises, the avatar displays the movement enabling the doctor to monitor the exercise and ensure it is being done correctly. The software keeps track of how many times the exercise is performed, calculates the angle of movement and its speed.

Using a webcam and videoconferencing window, the doctor can also easily communicate with the patient and even demonstrate adjustments to the exercise if necessary.

Photo credit: Natasha Lomas