This chapter explores the use of smart materials in physiotherapy, highlighting their potential to revolutionize patient care and rehabilitation practices. It discusses various types of smart materials, such as shape memory alloys, electroactive polymers, piezoelectric materials, magnetorheological materials, and thermoresponsive polymers, and their unique properties and applications. The chapter also discusses the use of smart materials in assistive devices, wearable technology, rehabilitation, pain management, and tissue healing. The advantages of smart materials include personalization, real-time monitoring capabilities, and non-invasive nature. However, challenges such as cost, integration with existing healthcare systems, and durability concerns need to be addressed. The chapter concludes by exploring future advancements in smart materials, integrating them with other technologies like AI, robotics, and nanotechnology. Ethical considerations and patient acceptance are also emphasized to ensure responsible and patient-centric adoption.
Top1. Background And Context Of Smart Materials
The field of materials science has witnessed remarkable advancements, leading to the development of innovative and responsive materials known as “smart materials” (Ramakrishnan et al., 2022). Qader et al. focus on the types of smart materials, including magnetorheological materials, electrorheological materials, piezoelectric materials, electrostrictive materials, magnetostrictive materials, photovoltaic materials, ferroelectric materials, thermoelectric materials, shape memory alloys, polymers, and more (Qader et al., 2019). Bahl et al. explore the potential of smart materials in industries such as aerospace, healthcare, electronics, and many more (Bahl et al., 2020).
1.1 Characteristics of Smart Materials
Thompson et al. (1992) and Holstov et al. (2022) describe smart materials as a class of materials that exhibit dynamic and adaptive behavior in response to environmental changes. Bril et al. (2022) and Sobczyk et al. (2022) explain that they can alter their shape, stiffness, conductivity, or other properties based on the external stimulus they encounter. According to Harrison & Ounaies (2002) and Oliveira et al. (2018), the most common types of smart materials include shape memory alloys, electroactive polymers, piezoelectric materials, magnetorheological materials, and thermoresponsive polymers. Webber (2016) and Yu et al. (2017) highlight the inherent ability of these materials to sense and respond to specific triggers, making them highly versatile for numerous applications.
1.2 Importance of Smart Materials in Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a vital healthcare discipline focused on promoting mobility, function, and overall well-being of individuals with physical impairments, injuries, or disabilities (Padhan & Mohapatra, 2023; Bubanja & Conover, 2019). The integration of smart materials in physiotherapy holds immense potential to revolutionize treatment approaches and enhance patient outcomes (Harry, 2023). Smart materials offer opportunities for personalized and targeted therapies, real-time monitoring of patient progress, and innovative solutions for rehabilitation and pain management (Pathak et al., 2021; Aziz et al., 2024).
1.3 Objectives of the Review Paper
The main objectives of this review paper are to comprehensively examine the use of smart materials in the context of physiotherapy and to provide insights into their diverse applications, advantages, limitations, and potential future directions. By consolidating existing knowledge and research in this area, the review aims to shed light on the significance of smart materials in physiotherapy and their transformative impact on patient care. Additionally, the paper seeks to highlight the challenges and ethical considerations associated with implementing these advanced materials in clinical settings, while identifying areas that warrant further exploration and research.
Overall, this review paper endeavours to contribute to the growing body of knowledge surrounding the integration of smart materials in physiotherapy, fostering a deeper understanding of their benefits and limitations, and paving the way for future innovations and improvements in patient care and rehabilitation practices.
2. Smart Materials In Physiotherapy: An Overview
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare discipline that focuses on restoring and maintaining physical function, mobility, and quality of life in individuals with musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiopulmonary conditions.