Due to limitations of rehabilitation facilities, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, the digital tool will be an accessible help with recovery and health improvement for thousands of people, said Elīna Līdere, spokeswoman for Latvian Mobile Telephone (LMT).
The rehabilitation assistant, "Vigo", provides digital therapy to stroke patients. It is suitable for those who have not completely lost movement or thinking ability.
The first version of "Vigo" is available to patients with support and is one of the LMT "For Healthy Latvia" initiatives aimed at promoting remote medical treatment solutions, particularly important during the COVID-19 crisis.
The tool has been developed by the Latvian start-up company Vigobot, founded by health-care innovation expert Kristaps Krafte and doctor Jānis Šlēziņš.
"While studying possibilities of stroke rehabilitation, we were surprised at how little innovation was available and how many patients were not receiving sufficient care," said Krafte.
"We strive to be a holistic and effective tool for stroke recovery, available to everyone."
The app is designed as a personal assistant including artificial intelligence, remote physical therapy, motivation and patient support.
The first version is available to a limited number of patients who can apply on the website. Each patient will receive an individual assessment on whether the app is suitable for them. Initially, the tool has limited availability. Patients will be gradually enrolled in the application sequence.
In autumn 2020, the tool will also be available in English.
