At the heart of this breakthrough are TalTech’s knee vibroarthrography sensors, currently being tested in microgravity. These cutting-edge sensors offer more accurate assessments of bone health, promising more effective treatments for both astronauts and patients.

A Faster and More Accurate Diagnostic Tool

"Our goal with the OsteoSense project is to create a quick and simple method for diagnosing knee injuries," explains Jeffrey Andrew Tuhtan, Associate Professor at TalTech's Centre for Environmental Sensing and Intelligence. "We aim to reduce diagnosis time to less than five minutes, improving accuracy without increasing doctors' workloads."

Knee injuries are one of the most common medical issues affecting both elite athletes and older adults. "Europe's aging population is driving up the demand for knee surgeries, along with associated healthcare costs," Tuhtan adds. "Currently, no similar solution exists, largely due to a technological gap between biomedical research and clinical needs."

Leading the Charge in Medical Technology

TalTech researchers are at the forefront of the OsteoSense project, particularly in developing the sensor hardware. "Our main objective is to create a knee diagnostic system that’s fast and easy to use, allowing doctors to diagnose injuries in less than five minutes," says Tuhtan.

A key secondary goal is to test the system’s ability to monitor bone density loss in astronauts, a major concern during long space missions. "We’re excited to see how our technology performs in space," Tuhtan notes. "This is not only a big step for Estonia’s space research, but also for medical technology advancements."

Collaboration Across Disciplines

TalTech’s Centre for Environmental Sensing and Intelligence, part of the School of IT, is leading the effort to develop this innovative technology. "Our research team has previously created next-generation sensors for tracking human movement in complex environments, like underwater. Now, we’re applying that knowledge to space and medical applications," says Tuhtan.

The project holds great promise for both scientific insights and practical applications. "By working on this project, TalTech will enhance its ability to rapidly develop prototypes and bring unique sensor platforms to market, in collaboration with RightStep," Tuhtan adds.

Testing in Space: A New Frontier

One of the most exciting aspects of OsteoSense is its potential use in space missions. "Experiments conducted in space provide invaluable data as more countries prepare for longer-duration space missions and even potential permanent settlements on the Moon or Mars," Tuhtan explains. "These missions will require entirely new health monitoring systems."

In early November, TalTech’s sensors will be tested during microgravity parabolic flights. "Our vibroarthrography sensors detect vibrations that occur during walking and running. These tests will determine whether the technology can monitor astronaut health and support exercise routines in space," Tuhtan explains. Continuous bone density monitoring is essential for astronauts, as prolonged exposure to microgravity reduces bone mass.

Impact on Earth: Better Data for Rehabilitation

Beyond space missions, the data collected in microgravity could also enhance patient rehabilitation on Earth. Space provides a unique environment that allows researchers to gather data difficult to obtain on the ground.

"One challenge with vibroarthrographic sensors is that vibrations come from multiple sources, and gravity acts as an amplifier," Tuhtan points out. Testing in microgravity will help researchers isolate vibration sources and eliminate gravity's influence, reducing uncertainties and improving data quality. This, in turn, will lead to better outcomes for patients in rehabilitation.

Promising Future of the OsteoSense Project

Although the OsteoSense project is still in its early stages, it holds enormous potential for advancing medical technology and knowledge. The insights gained could significantly benefit both astronauts and patients on Earth.

The project is spearheaded by RightStep, an Estonian incubator affiliated with the European Space Agency. It brings together researchers from TalTech, the University of St. Etienne, and the University of West London, with TalTech leading the development of the sensor hardware.