They have already been granted several patents for technologies that went into this device and are working towards productization, say sources from IIT Madras.

AI powered

This Artificial Intelligence-powered POCUS scanner has a wide range of applications in sports medicine, and it has the benefits of safety (no radiation!) and sufficient resolution compared to other modalities.

The researchers are targeting to complete the product prototype development by 2024.

Subsequently, testing and collection of pilot data from the field are also being planned in coordination with Sports Authorities, say IIT Madras researchers.

Need for technologies

Prof. Arun K. Thittai, Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, IIT Madras, who led the team that developed this device spoke about the need for such technologies.

We observed a current technological gap and a need for a Point-of-Care device for injury Management and Rehabilitation of elite athletes within routine training premises, said Prof Arun of IIT Madras.

A quick assessment for musculoskeletal on the field will help sports players get immediate attention and focus on recovery, he said.

He further said This solution aims to bring the latest development in ultrasound technology to sports medicine beyond the hospital setting.

The inputs from the POCUS assessment will be taken into the bigger AI platform for a holistic athlete management system. We are currently exploring all options to take up POCUS for MSK imaging for commercial translation, said Prof Arun of IIT Madras.

CESSA

IIT Madras established the CESSA to become a global platform for fostering innovation in sports technology and delivering products and solutions to enhance athlete performance and also serve general fitness and health consumers.

It will also create and deliver products and solutions across media platforms and work with sporting federations and bodies to increase fan engagement.

Mr. Ramesh Kumar, the Chief Executive Officer of the Center of Excellence in Sports Science and Analytics (CESSA), IIT Madras, was a former Global Head of ESPNcricinfo.

Sports medicine

Sport Medicine is a niche specialization that specifically focuses on diagnosing and treatment of injuries incurred during sporting activities.

Most of the imaging studies are typically practiced at hospital site when the sportsperson comes in as a “patient”.

While as patients, the sportsperson gets access to the latest technologies used in the hospital setting, there is a huge gap in access to these medical devices/technology in the sports arena, which can be used during routine training as well.

Such access will impart a paradigm shift in sportsperson care and allow for evidence-based training and possibly injury prevention.

The R&D efforts of this lab at IIT Madras has been funded continuously by several research grants from Government bodies.

Current POCUS development team has been funded through the CESSA at IITM.

Also Read – IIT Madras partners with Ford to train the next generation of young drivers

CESSA was established up with support from ‘Institute of Eminence’ initiative of the Government of India.

IIT Madras was accorded the ‘Institute of Eminence’ (IoE) status in September 2019. It is part of the Government of India’s vision to empower educational centres to be world-class teaching and research institutions.

Self-Appraisal and Registration Process

1. From the 2023 session onwards, NBEMS introduced a self-appraisal system for trainees. This ensures their eligibility for registration after joining NBEMS-accredited institutions through centralized, merit-based counseling.
2. Candidates who submitted self-appraisals and completed verification at their training institutes were provisionally registered with NBEMS.

Non-Compliance by Certain Trainees

National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences has observed that many trainees have failed to submit the prescribed documents required for registration. Despite multiple reminders, some candidates have not completed the necessary steps. A list of such candidates has been published for reference.

Final Opportunity for Submission

• Trainees have a final opportunity for registration by submitting the deficient documents no later than 3rd January 2025.
• Failure to do so will lead to the cancellation of their candidature for the training program.

How to Submit the Documents

• All documents must be submitted exclusively via the Online Portal for Joining and Registration (OPJR): NBEMS OPJR Portal.
• Submissions through any other mode will not be accepted at all.

Contact Information for Support

For queries or assistance, trainees can reach out through the following channels:

• NBEMS Candidate Care Support: 011-45593000
• Communication Web Portal: NBEMS Communication Portal

Key Takeaways

1. The final opportunity for registration is open until 3rd January 2025.
2. Candidates must submit their documents exclusively through the OPJR portal.
3. Non-compliance will result in cancellation of candidature for the training program.

Also Read: CSIR NET December 2024: Application Closes Today, Apply Now at csirnet.nta.ac.in