Lack of hospital capacity
Strokes are a leading cause of acquired disability in adults and their incidence is increasing due to increased life expectancy.
“The first six months for this type of patient are critical because there is an increase in something known as neuronal plasticity. We have to take advantage of that window and unfortunately in our current health system this is not being done,” Yoás Ramírez, a member of the LANR of the UNAM Institute of Cellular Physiology, told Expansión during the “Startup Exchange Switzerland and Mexico 2024.”
However, health systems, especially in Mexico, do not have the necessary resources to offer rehabilitation in this critical period. LANR aims to fill this gap by offering early, high-intensity telerehabilitation through video games designed for home exercises.
LANR makes accessibility a reality
LANR focuses on keeping its devices low cost using technologies such as computer vision and algorithms of artificial intelligence that allow track patient movements with just a webcam.
“It is an initiative of the laboratory where we can provide telerehabilitation to patients so that they have video games with which they can perform the exercises at home, as quickly as possible and with high intensity,” explains the entrepreneur and scientist.
A multidisciplinary team
In addition, they have a multidisciplinary team that includes industrial designers, graphic designers, programmers, occupational therapists, and psychologists, all collaborating to create a comprehensive and effective rehabilitation experience. The devices range from an ergonomic mouse to a steering wheel for bimanual activities, adapting to the specific needs of each patient.
Seeking support to scale up the initiative
To date, LANR has impacted 30 patients, both children and adults, and is looking to scale its reach. Currently, they have collaborations with the National Institute of Pediatrics and the National Institute of Neurology, where they treat cases of stroke (cerebral vascular event) and cerebral palsy. However, the startup faces challenges in expanding its coverage due to the lack of sufficient devices and the need for more investments to acquire additional equipment and reach more hospitals.
In this regard, during the “Startup Exchange Switzerland and Mexico 2024”, held in June at the residence of the Swiss ambassador to Mexico, Yoás presented his project in the presence of authorities from both nations, but also entrepreneurs and investors. And he hopes that they will soon be able to receive the support that LANR needs to reach more people.
Currently, LANR needs access to more hospitals and an investment that will allow them to acquire more equipment to lend to patients who do not have computers at home.
They are in talks with the General Hospital and the Gaby Dreamer association to serve more patients with different neurological conditions. In addition, Yoás Ramírez is looking for venture capital and possible partnerships, especially at international events such as the “Startup Exchange Switzerland and Mexico 2024”, where the startup has gained visibility.
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