Artificial intelligence is changing how doctors assess patients and track recovery. 

At a university in Hungary, researchers are developing new tools to improve rehabilitation and help diagnose neurological conditions. The projects use cameras and AI software to turn body movements into medical data. 

The goal is to give doctors more information and help patients regain mobility.

At Szechenyi Istvan University in Gyor, researchers are developing a system that allows patients to continue rehabilitation at home.

Monitoring progress between visits

A web camera tracks their movements as they perform exercises. AI software records each movement and provides feedback. The results are then sent to therapists, who can monitor progress between clinic visits.

Martin Pap, a data scientist at the university's digital development center, said the system makes rehabilitation more accessible.

"We created a system where it's like a game so they can be at home, do what they need to do based on their training exercises, and they will have feedback," said Pap. 

"When the patient goes back for a visit, they can just see the detailed data that was recorded, and they can do the fine tuning."

The system could help patients who live far from medical centers.

Istvan Kakuszi-Knab, head of the university's physiotherapy center, said access to care remains a challenge in rural areas.

"It can give better access to the rehabilitation service, especially in rural areas. That's the most important point," said Kakuszi-Knab.

Small movements matter

The research team is also developing software to assess hand movement.

For patients with neurological conditions, small movements matter. The ability to grip or move fingers can mark progress in recovery.

A camera identifies key points on the hand, and the software measures finger distances, grip speed and movement. These results help specialists track changes over time.

Pap said the system could also help families continue exercises at home.

"We can have the medical professionals have a device in the institution which helps them record the process, and also if the parents want, they can bring it home, put it on, and it requires a laptop or a computer, which is easily available," explained Pap.

"We are also starting to develop the software part, which the parents can use at home in this gamified way, so they can do the same exercises but without the medical professional need."

The technology could also help patients start rehabilitation sooner.

"After a surgery, the patient has to go into rehabilitation, but there's a time of two or three weeks when the patient cannot walk. So at this time, they could use the platform at home to start the rehabilitation very early," said Pap.

Impact on treatment 

Another project focuses on eye movements, aiming to help doctors assess patients who suffer from dizziness.

The symptoms can point to an inner-ear problem or a stroke. The distinction can affect treatment and patient outcomes.

The prototype uses an infrared camera inside a headset. It records eye movements and converts them into graphs. Doctors can use these patterns to support their assessment.

"But time is of the essence here, and having a device that can give you better information in a quicker way because it's all about pattern recognition," Pap said. "Seeing the eye movement and everything is something that currently lacks in the medical field."

The university is also building ties with China. Its partners include Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Xuzhou University of Technology.

The projects include 5G-based rehabilitation devices and research in AI and engineering.

Researchers hope to move these systems from the lab into hospitals and clinics. Their aim is to give doctors better tools and help patients regain their independence.