Tough, rapid self-recovery and responsive organogel-based ionotronic for intelligent continuous passive motion system

Abstract

Continuous passive motion (CPM) is an adjunct therapy to the standard postoperative rehabilitation regimen of joint injuries. The capability of real-time monitoring actual bending angle of knee joints is highly desired for treatment strategies of personalized postoperative rehabilitation and telemedicine. Here we report an intelligent CPM system for personalized rehabilitation and telemedicine based on the flexible and versatile ionotronic that possesses impressive mechanical properties (2.56 MPa tensile strength; 11.63 MJ m−3 toughness), fast self-recovery ability (60 s) and broaden environmental tolerance (−60–45 °C). Especially, the ionotronic responds fast and shows stability for cyclic strain sensing, ensuring the detection of actual joint bending angle with high sensitivity and reliability. The intelligent CPM system assembled with this ionotronic and a wireless transmitter was constructed, opening up a horizon for developing digital intelligent medical that can remotely monitor the movement of hospitalized/at-home patients who use CPM for personalized postoperative rehabilitation.