#Japan #Ibaraki #StepLab Medical #HELTEC #Fall Risk Assessment

HELTEC Introduces StepLab Medical

HELTEC, a company based in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, has recently launched its latest innovation, the StepLab Medical, a walking analysis device that is set to transform patient care in healthcare facilities. Officially available from July 1, 2025, the StepLab Medical combines advanced analysis with user-friendly features, making it a must-have for medical institutions.

Advanced Walking Analysis Made Easy

The StepLab Medical is designed to provide precise walking analysis using two sensors, simplifying the measurement process. Healthcare professionals can quickly generate three easy-to-understand reports, ensuring that both patients and their families can grasp the critical metrics associated with walking ability. This tool empowers medical facilities to enhance rehabilitation awareness among patients while significantly reducing the operational burden on staff.

Cost-Effective Operational Solution

Recognized as a Class 1 medical device, the StepLab Medical qualifies for a D250 clinical reimbursement point, allowing healthcare providers to recover the costs associated with its implementation. This affordability supports the provision of high-quality walking analysis services without imposing financial strain on facilities.

Dynamic Features to Enhance Patient Engagement

One of the standout features of the StepLab Medical is its patient report, which tracks walking ability over time, comparing it against age-adjusted averages. This not only motivates patients to engage in continuous rehabilitation but also serves families by providing a clear understanding of their loved one's progress.

New Fall Risk Assessment Functionality

The StepLab Medical features an innovative fall risk assessment function grounded in extensive academic research. It utilizes statistical analysis from 86 studies related to falls, providing a reliable evaluation tool co-developed under the supervision of Professor Masahiro Matsuda from Juntendo University's School of Health and Sports Science. The assessment is presented through visually engaging graphics, ensuring that both patients and their families can easily interpret the walking status.

Comprehensive Walking Metrics

Aside from basic metrics like walking speed and stride length, the device automatically calculates intricate indicators such as Minimum Toe Clearance (MTC), essential in identifying potential risks of falling or functional decline. Such detailed measurements allow for early detection of frailty, contributing to preventative healthcare.

User-Friendly and Efficient

The operational efficiency of the StepLab Medical is impressive, taking a mere three minutes from patient registration to report generation. Patients simply strap the IMU sensors to their feet and start walking, significantly minimizing the physical and emotional burden on both patients and healthcare professionals. The device uses the highly regarded Movella DOT sensors, ensuring reliability and accuracy in a variety of settings.

Robust Data Consistency and Analysis

To guarantee high data consistency, the StepLab Medical employs the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) test, yielding correlations above 0.8 across 14 walking metrics. This consistency allows for accurate tracking of progress and evaluation over time, making it an essential tool for rehabilitation.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Moving forward, HELTEC is dedicated to using data from everyday walking activities to provide early visibility into fall risks and signs of frailty. The company aims to enhance its StepLab series for use in healthcare, sports, and personal care environments, striving to create a society where preventative and supportive measures for health are readily available.

For further inquiries regarding StepLab Medical, feel free to reach out to HELTEC's Sensory Division. The future of walking analysis begins here!