THERAPY-Magazin
Based onscientific evidence
Discover how the THERA-Trainer Senso, developed by Dividat, is advancing cognitive-motor rehabilitation. Backed by international research, it supports prevention, therapy, and stroke recovery.
Jakob Tiebel
Business Owner, N+ Digital Health Agency
The development of the senso is based on scientific evidence – thanks to Dividat’s international research activities.
In 2011, researcher Dr Eva van het Reve laid the foundations for the innovative senso training and testing device, which was successfully launched in 2013 by Dividat, the Swiss spin-off company she founded. THERA-Trainer added the senso to its portfolio in 2023 and has been selling it worldwide ever since. The scientific basis of the senso and its evidence-based use in training and therapy interventions are highly recognised in research and clinical practice. Under the leadership of Dr Eva van het Reve and Dr Manuela Adcock, Dividat’s product is continuously being integrated into numerous research projects to further investigate the applicability and benefits of the senso. The article provides insight into the current projects.
The founding of Dividat by ETH Zurich researcher Dr Eva van het Reve marked a milestone in the development of the innovative senso training and testing device. Since its successful market launch in 2013, the senso has become well established in the fields of prevention and rehabilitation. THERA-Trainer, a global provider of training and therapy concepts for neurological and geriatric rehabilitation, added the senso to its product portfolio last year and has been marketing the scientifically validated training system for cognitive-motor training under its own brand ever since.
The senso success story is based on a strong scientific foundation that is closely linked to the research work of Dividat’s founder, Dr Eva van het Reve. The training and therapy interventions that the innovative training system enables are undergoing extensive research and attracting a great deal of attention, both in the academic world and in everyday clinical practice.
The research collaborations between Dividat and various partners from national and international projects are a central component for success. Under the leadership of Dr Eva van het Reve and Dr Manuela Adcock, highly qualified research teams are working closely with partners from various disciplines to investigate the applicability and benefits of senso and its ongoing development.
The knowledge gained from these research projects is continuously incorporated into the further development of senso. This ensures that technological innovations are based on sound scientific evidence and meet the highest scientific standards.
The founding of Dividat by ETH Zurich researcher Dr Eva van het Reve marked a milestone in the development of the innovative senso training and testing device. Since its successful market launch in 2013, the senso has become well established in the fields of prevention and rehabilitation. THERA-Trainer, a global provider of training and therapy concepts for neurological and geriatric rehabilitation, added the senso to its product portfolio last year and has been marketing the scientifically validated training system for cognitive-motor training under its own brand ever since.
The senso success story is based on a strong scientific foundation that is closely linked to the research work of Dividat’s founder, Dr Eva van het Reve. The training and therapy interventions that the innovative training system enables are undergoing extensive research and attracting a great deal of attention, both in the academic world and in everyday clinical practice.
The research collaborations between Dividat and various partners from national and international projects are a central component for success. Under the leadership of Dr Eva van het Reve and Dr Manuela Adcock, highly qualified research teams are working closely with partners from various disciplines to investigate the applicability and benefits of senso and its ongoing development.
The knowledge gained from these research projects is continuously incorporated into the further development of senso. This ensures that technological innovations are based on sound scientific evidence and meet the highest scientific standards.
Key results of cognitive-motor training with the senso
Cognitive-motor training with the senso has proven to be extremely effective in strengthening brain-body interaction. This training method is widely used in prevention, as well as in therapy and rehabilitation. Studies conducted with various patient groups and healthy older adults show consistently positive results:
- Ease and safety of use.
- Motivating training experience for users.
- Improved reaction time.
- Increase in cognitive functions.
- Improved balance.
- Optimisation of gait parameters, such as walking speed.
- Significant reduction in fall risk.
These impressive results not only emphasise the versatility of the senso device, but also demonstrate the enormous potential of cognitive-motor training approaches for promoting health and quality of life.
Cognitive-motor training with the senso has proven to be extremely effective in strengthening brain-body interaction. This training method is widely used in prevention, as well as in therapy and rehabilitation. Studies conducted with various patient groups and healthy older adults show consistently positive results:
- Ease and safety of use.
- Motivating training experience for users.
- Improved reaction time.
- Increase in cognitive functions.
- Improved balance.
- Optimisation of gait parameters, such as walking speed.
- Significant reduction in fall risk.
These impressive results not only emphasise the versatility of the senso device, but also demonstrate the enormous potential of cognitive-motor training approaches for promoting health and quality of life.
Research collaborations
Under the leadership of Dr Eva van het Reve and Dr Manuela Adcock from Dividat, highly qualified research teams are working closely with partners from various disciplines to investigate the applicability and benefits of senso and its ongoing development.
Under the leadership of Dr Eva van het Reve and Dr Manuela Adcock from Dividat, highly qualified research teams are working closely with partners from various disciplines to investigate the applicability and benefits of senso and its ongoing development.
Current research projects
Dividat is currently driving several pioneering research projects through close cooperation with renowned institutions such as ETH Zurich and the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST). These projects address not only the expansion of training platforms, but also preventive and therapeutic approaches for different patient groups. The current projects and their objectives are briefly presented below:
Dividat is currently driving several pioneering research projects through close cooperation with renowned institutions such as ETH Zurich and the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST). These projects address not only the expansion of training platforms, but also preventive and therapeutic approaches for different patient groups. The current projects and their objectives are briefly presented below:
SWING IT project
The SWING IT project is funded by Innosuisse, the Swiss Agency for Innovation Promotion. As part of this project, the hardware of the Dividat Senso training platform is being expanded in collaboration with ETH Zurich and the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST). The aim of this expansion is to make the training platform mobile (Senso Swing). This significantly increases the neuromuscular resources required for training. Training on the Senso Swing therefore provides adequate stimulation for people with higher balance resources. In addition, the Senso Swing is an excellent aid for proprioception training, which could benefit various patient groups (e.g. orthopaedic and certain neurological patients). Usability tests and a clinical pilot study are being carried out as part of this research and development project.
The SWING IT project is funded by Innosuisse, the Swiss Agency for Innovation Promotion. As part of this project, the hardware of the Dividat Senso training platform is being expanded in collaboration with ETH Zurich and the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST). The aim of this expansion is to make the training platform mobile (Senso Swing). This significantly increases the neuromuscular resources required for training. Training on the Senso Swing therefore provides adequate stimulation for people with higher balance resources. In addition, the Senso Swing is an excellent aid for proprioception training, which could benefit various patient groups (e.g. orthopaedic and certain neurological patients). Usability tests and a clinical pilot study are being carried out as part of this research and development project.
The ongoing studies and developments not only promise a continuous improvement of existing products, but will also help open up new fields of application in health and education.
COCARE project
COCARE is a project funded by the European Commission as part of the Active and Assisted Living Programme (AAL). An international team is developing a comprehensive training system that can be used across the entire continuum of care (rehabilitation clinic, outpatient therapy, at home).
An ecosystem is being developed with technological and digital solutions that enable efficient, personalised and effective treatment in inpatient facilities with continuity and transfer to the home environment. One key aim of this research and development project is to develop a mobile version (a “little brother”) of the Dividat Senso for use at home. This product – the Dividat SensoFlex – is a roll-up mat fitted with sensors. The training device can be connected via cable to a screen in the comfort of the user’s home. A large-scale, randomised clinical trial with the aim of testing the feasibility and effectiveness of the training system for use by older adults started in January 2023.
COCARE is a project funded by the European Commission as part of the Active and Assisted Living Programme (AAL). An international team is developing a comprehensive training system that can be used across the entire continuum of care (rehabilitation clinic, outpatient therapy, at home).
An ecosystem is being developed with technological and digital solutions that enable efficient, personalised and effective treatment in inpatient facilities with continuity and transfer to the home environment. One key aim of this research and development project is to develop a mobile version (a “little brother”) of the Dividat Senso for use at home. This product – the Dividat SensoFlex – is a roll-up mat fitted with sensors. The training device can be connected via cable to a screen in the comfort of the user’s home. A large-scale, randomised clinical trial with the aim of testing the feasibility and effectiveness of the training system for use by older adults started in January 2023.
Brain-IT project
This project (a PhD project by Patrick Manser under the direction of Prof Eling de Bruin at ETH Zurich) aims to investigate innovative approaches to the prevention of cognitive impairment. The focus is on three important – but often neglected – modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment, which are known to play an important role in disease progression. These three risk factors are: (1) physical inactivity, (2) cognitive inactivity and (3) symptoms of depression.
Between August 2020 and May 2022, a training guide (called the Brain-IT training concept) was developed specifically for older adults with mild cognitive impairment, in collaboration with those affected and experts from various fields. Brain-IT training includes physical and neurocognitive tasks as well as breathing training, and is individually adapted to the study participants. It is carried out using so-called exergames (video games that are controlled by physical movements) and takes place at the study participants’ homes under individual supervision. The Dividat SensoFlex is currently used for the training.
It has already been shown that Brain-IT training is well received by those affected, has a high level of acceptance and is perceived as beneficial. The data to date on the effectiveness of the training is also promising. For this reason, a study is currently being conducted to analyse the effectiveness of the training in more detail. Cognitive performance, gait, well-being and cardiac activity are measured. In addition, brain structure and function are measured using magnetic resonance imaging in order to investigate the possible underlying neuronal changes.
The project is funded by the Synapsis Foundation – Dementia Research Switzerland, the Gebauer Foundation and the Dalle Molle Foundation.
This project (a PhD project by Patrick Manser under the direction of Prof Eling de Bruin at ETH Zurich) aims to investigate innovative approaches to the prevention of cognitive impairment. The focus is on three important – but often neglected – modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment, which are known to play an important role in disease progression. These three risk factors are: (1) physical inactivity, (2) cognitive inactivity and (3) symptoms of depression.
Between August 2020 and May 2022, a training guide (called the Brain-IT training concept) was developed specifically for older adults with mild cognitive impairment, in collaboration with those affected and experts from various fields. Brain-IT training includes physical and neurocognitive tasks as well as breathing training, and is individually adapted to the study participants. It is carried out using so-called exergames (video games that are controlled by physical movements) and takes place at the study participants’ homes under individual supervision. The Dividat SensoFlex is currently used for the training.
It has already been shown that Brain-IT training is well received by those affected, has a high level of acceptance and is perceived as beneficial. The data to date on the effectiveness of the training is also promising. For this reason, a study is currently being conducted to analyse the effectiveness of the training in more detail. Cognitive performance, gait, well-being and cardiac activity are measured. In addition, brain structure and function are measured using magnetic resonance imaging in order to investigate the possible underlying neuronal changes.
The project is funded by the Synapsis Foundation – Dementia Research Switzerland, the Gebauer Foundation and the Dalle Molle Foundation.
Senso@School project”
In this project, cognitive-motor training on the senso is applied to primary school children. Scientific studies have shown that this cognitive-motor training approach can improve executive functions in a global way. Core components of executive functions (such as cognitive flexibility, working memory, divided attention) are important for success at school and later at work. Executive functions develop during childhood and are not fully developed until around 20 years of age. Children are likely to benefit from supportive training of executive functions, particularly in order to be able to concentrate better in class. In collaboration with the municipality of Feusisberg and Feusisberg primary school, a study is therefore being carried out with schoolchildren using the Dividat Senso as an active break and support aid.
In this project, cognitive-motor training on the senso is applied to primary school children. Scientific studies have shown that this cognitive-motor training approach can improve executive functions in a global way. Core components of executive functions (such as cognitive flexibility, working memory, divided attention) are important for success at school and later at work. Executive functions develop during childhood and are not fully developed until around 20 years of age. Children are likely to benefit from supportive training of executive functions, particularly in order to be able to concentrate better in class. In collaboration with the municipality of Feusisberg and Feusisberg primary school, a study is therefore being carried out with schoolchildren using the Dividat Senso as an active break and support aid.
Chronic Stroke project
As part of this project (a PhD project by Simone Huber under the direction of Prof Eling de Bruin) at ETH Zurich (Motor Control & Learning Group) and University Hospital Zurich (Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy research teams), a training concept is being developed that enables personalised progression and variability for motor-cognitive training in people with chronic stroke over several weeks/months. Progressive and variable means that the training challenge is constantly adapted to the current abilities and preferences of the person training in order to achieve an optimal training load. Following the successful completion of a feasibility study (see publication), a randomised controlled clinical trial is currently being conducted in which the training concept will be used in addition to standard treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of additional training on health-related quality of life, cognitive abilities and gait in people with chronic stroke.
As part of this project (a PhD project by Simone Huber under the direction of Prof Eling de Bruin) at ETH Zurich (Motor Control & Learning Group) and University Hospital Zurich (Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy research teams), a training concept is being developed that enables personalised progression and variability for motor-cognitive training in people with chronic stroke over several weeks/months. Progressive and variable means that the training challenge is constantly adapted to the current abilities and preferences of the person training in order to achieve an optimal training load. Following the successful completion of a feasibility study (see publication), a randomised controlled clinical trial is currently being conducted in which the training concept will be used in addition to standard treatment. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of additional training on health-related quality of life, cognitive abilities and gait in people with chronic stroke.
Conclusion and outlook
The continuous involvement of senso in scientific research demonstrates a strong commitment to innovative developments in the healthcare sector. Dividat’s research projects cover a wide range of applications, from improving the training platform to preventive and therapeutic approaches for various patient groups. The ongoing studies and developments not only promise a continuous improvement of existing products, but will also help open up new fields of application in health and education. The research activities contribute to creating evidence-based solutions that can have a lasting impact on people’s lives and well-being.
The continuous involvement of senso in scientific research demonstrates a strong commitment to innovative developments in the healthcare sector. Dividat’s research projects cover a wide range of applications, from improving the training platform to preventive and therapeutic approaches for various patient groups. The ongoing studies and developments not only promise a continuous improvement of existing products, but will also help open up new fields of application in health and education. The research activities contribute to creating evidence-based solutions that can have a lasting impact on people’s lives and well-being.
Ambulante Rehabilitation
Fachkreise
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Standing & Balancing
Technology & Development
THERAPY 2024-I
THERAPY Magazine
Jakob Tiebel
Business Owner, N+ Digital Health Agency
Jakob Tiebel studied applied psychology with a focus on health economics. He has clinical expertise from his previous therapeutic work in neurorehabilitation. He conducts research and publishes on the theory-practice transfer in neurorehabilitation and is the owner of Native.Health, an agency for digital health marketing.
References:
- https://dividat.com/forschung
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