When Sportek Hub was launched three years ago, one of the main objectives was to create an expert Sport-tech ecosystem in the different phases of the value chain of the projects. In this context, considering research as a crucial source of innovation and technology generation, the first call was launched to identify projects emerging from universities, training centers and/or companies capable of revolutionizing the sports industry. This is the case of Igor Sancho, Physiotherapist and Researcher at the University of Deusto, who is developing an innovative machine for the evaluation and strengthening of the ankle flexor muscles.
Through his participation in Sportek Hub, Igor has found an ecosystem conducive to give visibility to his project and access to resources capable of enhancing his innovation in the field of sports. To learn more about this project and his participation in the call for researchers, Igor Sancho shares the advantages he has found in this collaborative environment and the details of his project, which seeks to prevent and treat common injuries among athletes.
Why did you decide to apply for the call for researchers?
I decided to participate in Sportek Hub because I saw a unique opportunity to give visibility to my project and connect with an ecosystem that drives innovation in the field of sport and technology. The possibility of receiving support, both in the technical validation and in the commercial potential of the machine for evaluation and strengthening of the ankle flexor musculature, was one of the main attractions.
What are the main advantages of being part of this ecosystem?
First, it provides access to a network of experts and collaborators who can not only advise from a technological point of view, but also from a commercial and market point of view, which is key to transforming a project into a viable product. Access to resources, both in terms of technology and infrastructure, accelerates the development process and fosters collaboration with experts, professionals and innovative projects, which is an invaluable source of learning and synergy opportunities.
What does your project consist of?
It consists of the development of an innovative machine for evaluation and strengthening of the plantar flexor muscles of the ankle, focused on preventing and treating injuries of the Achilles tendon and the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. It is designed to offer key advantages such as the possibility of working unilaterally or bilaterally, adjusting positions according to the user’s needs, and the possibility of evaluating both isometric and concentric/eccentric strength, with different options. In addition, the aim is that it can provide real-time information and thus personalize training plans based on age, type of sport and recovery phase, from a heterogeneous database collected from different populations.
How have you identified this type of problem suffered by athletes?
There is a high prevalence of Achilles tendon and soleus muscle injuries, especially in sports involving high intensity or high volumes of multidirectional running, such as running, football and rugby. During my doctoral thesis, through scientific studies and systematic reviews, I observed that weakness in the plantar flexors is a common risk factor in this type of injury. Furthermore, as a professional involved in sports science, I have noticed the lack of adequate equipment on the market to effectively address both prevention and treatment of these injuries.
How did you realize the solution?
By identifying the limitations of the machines on the market. Current equipment does not optimally work the plantar flexor musculature, especially in postoperative rehabilitation or Achilles tendon injuries. I noticed that the ability to work with high loads, being able to adjust the position of the ankle unilaterally, were key, especially in the recovery of certain injuries. This is how I came up with the idea of creating a device that could offer position variability, objective force assessment and real-time feedback, overcoming the limitations of traditional machines.
How can this machine help to improve the treatment of these injuries?
This machine is designed to optimize both the prevention and treatment of injuries to the Achilles tendon and ankle flexor musculature. By allowing unilateral or bilateral work and adjusting to the specific needs of each user, exercises can be performed with precision and safety. In addition, the ability to assess maximal isometric strength provides crucial objective data for rehabilitation, allowing practitioners to monitor patient progress and adjust treatment accordingly.
How has Sportek Hub helped you to evaluate the commercial development of your project?
They have offered me guidance in developing the machine and assessing its market potential, especially in terms of its applicability in both sports and clinical settings. They have provided me with contacts with experts in certification, patents, marketing and commercialization that have helped me to better understand the market needs and to define how to position the machine to appeal to sports clubs, rehabilitation centers and clinics. Being able to validate the commercial viability of the device has given me a clear vision of how to scale the project.
What is the status of the project and what are the next steps?
The project is currently in the phase of creating the first prototype. In the next phase we will test its reliability and validate its functionality against the gold standard (isokinetic measurement). The next steps include conducting pilot tests with athletes and patients in collaboration with clinics and sports clubs and collecting data that will help us in the creation of a database as heterogeneous as possible. The goal is to be able to obtain normative plantar flexor strength data from different healthy populations that we can use as a reference. From there, we will develop an algorithm that will allow us to identify the actual condition of each athlete/patient and provide a plan tailored to their needs. We are also exploring the best avenues for commercial production and distribution, with the goal of bringing the product to market in the next year.
How do you think Sportek Hub can help other projects?
They can provide support for an idea and access to collaborate with experts, technology and a large network of contacts. They facilitate the validation of ideas and offer resources that are not always available to researchers, such as mentoring in commercialization and opportunities to test developments in real environments. In addition, by fostering collaboration across disciplines, Sportek Hub promotes the growth and continuous improvement of projects.
What advice would you give to researchers in Gipuzkoa?
My advice would be to take advantage of all the opportunities that Sportek Hub offers. It is not only a place to innovate, but also to learn from others, connect with professionals and understand the needs of the market. It is critical that you remain open to collaboration and focus on both the technical feasibility and commercial potential of your projects. I would also recommend that you listen to expert feedback and use it to improve your idea from the start.
Sportek Hub has just launched the second call for researchers with technological innovation projects in the field of sport, open until November 15. Find out more about this new edition and sign up here.
