The system, named ReTrack, was researched and developed by a group of five students who recently won first prize at the 2025 Young Innovation Competition. The competition was organized by Hanoi University of Science and Technology and attracted student projects from 35 universities nationwide.

Hoang Quoc Truong, a fourth-year student majoring in mechanical engineering at Hanoi University of Science and Technology and leader of the group, said the project originated from the reality that Vietnam records around 200,000 stroke cases each year, of which about 80 percent suffer from motor impairments, especially leg paralysis, requiring long-term rehabilitation support.

The rehabilitation process faces major challenges, as patient recovery has traditionally been monitored largely through observation, while the number of doctors specializing in this field remains limited.

The group of students decided to develop a complete product called ReTrack, using AI to support lower-limb rehabilitation for stroke patients. The product consists of three types of sensors and measuring devices. 

The IMU sensor accurately measures joint angles, movement range and movement speed in real time. The EMG sensor measures muscle activation levels to detect whether a muscle is functioning, something that cannot be observed with the naked eye. In addition, a wrist-worn heart rate device equipped with a PPG sensor monitors heart rate during training to warn of abnormal signs.

These sensors and devices are attached to the patient’s body. The collected data is sent to a central processing box with the support of AI. The algorithm analyzes the quality of the recovery exercises and support scoring motor functions according to international standards. Additionally, data can be stored centrally on the hospital's cloud, linked to patient codes, and is ready to integrate with electronic medical record systems.

"With these measured parameters, doctors can monitor and grasp the indicators and progress of patients daily. Patients can practice at home, monitor their own recovery progress, and reduce unnecessary follow-up visits," said Quoc Truong. 

Furthermore, relatives can also easily supervise from afar and receive warnings. Hospitals and rehabilitation centers can save human resources, increase patient throughput, optimize investment costs, and store data long-term.

Truong said the product’s measurement capabilities have been validated at the Motion Lab of Vinmec Hospital and tested on real patients at Hai Duong Rehabilitation Hospital. The results showed only very small errors after calibration adjustments.

With an expected price of around VND100 million, Truong said “this is much cheaper than several rehabilitation support systems currently available on the market.” Target customers include hospitals, rehabilitation centers and physical therapy clinics.

The project has already received funding and partnership commitments from several organizations. In addition, the group has published a related scientific paper at the ICHST 2025 international conference.

In the coming time, the group will stabilize the electrical system and mechanical casing using more friendly materials to bring the product into hospitals, while also participating in other competitions for further improvement. 

"Completing this product also involved many difficult and stressful stages because system errors occurred. Nevertheless, we believe that difficulties and conflicts are also the motivation for development," Quoc Truong said about the six months of research and development for the product.

Huynh Dang Chinh, Associate Professor and Vice Director of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, said student projects are all rooted in real-world needs rather than purely classroom-based research topics. Students have been able to apply the latest technologies such as AI, blockchain and big data.

According to Chinh, the conclusion of the competition will be the beginning of the students' entrepreneurial journey with the products they have created. "The success of a competition, besides finding excellent individuals, must also help you establish businesses, call for capital, create products, and contribute to society," he said.

Last year, two companies were established from the groups rated as excell in this competition. Chinh hopes that this year, the student groups will also be able to do the same.

Thuy Nga