Many people who have undergone rehabilitation know what it is like to lose muscle mass. It is also a common problem among elderly people. Healthcare start-up HapticLink has the solution: their Reforter is an investment in innovation in rehabilitation. CFO Matthijs Stevens tells about this medical innovation and their entrepreneurial adventures.
"My journey with HapticLink started in 2021," recalls Matthijs. "My friend and the inventor of the Reforter, Peter Martens, approached me with this fascinating device. I immediately saw the potential and knew I had to join this adventure."
"With HapticLink, we aim to provide advanced and efficient solutions for the assessment, treatment and prevention of physical disabilities - for everyone," Matthijs explains. "This is how the idea of the Reforter was born. It is an intelligent device for assessing and training muscle strength. We are currently testing the prototype and trying to get the machine medically certified. I am sure we will succeed!"
The benefits of electricity
The Reforter is a kind of pole, with a handle at training height that you can pull. On top of the device is a built-in electric motor. This motor calculates the force and speed at which the patient pulls. Matthijs explains: "While exercising, you see exactly what you are doing with feedback on the screen. Using smart technology, you get to see reports, and you can see your progress. Moreover, the Reforter continuously measures what you are doing and adjusts the resistance accordingly."
The Reforter is very suitable for rehabilitation because it can also handle low forces. There is no need to adjust the device; the patient decides how much force to use. "For example, if you have had shoulder surgery and want to start training again to increase your muscle mass, strength training is necessary. But you can't use too much strength right away because it hurts. As a patient, with the Reforter you can easily create an optimal load yourself in the different recovery phases."
The Reforter also brings innovation in the field of eccentric training. Matthijs explains: "Every exercise has two phases: the concentric phase (shortens your muscles) and the eccentric phase (lengthens your muscles). In that second phase, you bring the resistance back down with your arm. You are stronger compared to the first phase. But when you train with weights, you only train your muscles in the first phase, not when you lower the weight. The Reforter solves that by also providing resistance in the eccentric phase."
Strength training for the elderly
Sooner or later, many elderly people suffer from sarcopenia, a condition in which muscle mass is lost faster than it is gained. As a result, muscle strength declines and your physical function deteriorates. "It is important to recognise the loss of muscle mass at an early stage. That is the best way to prevent falls. The Reforter can also play a vital role by starting proper training in time."
"For example, if elderly people go to the physiotherapist for strength training with our device, their muscle mass does not decrease further. And if this allows them to move independently for longer, they can also stay fit and mobile for longer, without falling. This is also what we want to achieve with the Reforter: an easy and accessible way to stay active."
The stories of a start-up
"Many people see similar equipment in the gym and therefore do not immediately see the benefit of our innovation," Matthijs explains. "But it actually has many advantages. Especially when it comes to rehabilitation; that's why we also do demos for physiotherapists. That way they can see and experience for themselves what the Reforter can do. So far, we are getting enthusiastic reactions: as many as 17 of the 20 physiotherapists we visited immediately wanted one! We have also received a lot of useful feedback on the Reforter's performance. This makes my entrepreneurial heart beat faster."
Of course, entrepreneurship has its challenges, such as finding funding. "Fortunately, we also get help from Briskr with their seminars on various topics with excellent speakers. But also with their annual event in cooperation with Radboud University. This was a great opportunity for us to network and present our product."
At HapticLink, they dare to dream about the future. "Our ultimate goal? A Reforter in every physiotherapy practice and nursing home. That way, we can help people keep moving well and independently!"
This article appeared earlier on the website of Briskr
