iPROLEPSIS publicaties

Digital assessment of swollen joints from smartphone photographs can support remote monitoring of patients with inflammatory arthritis, enabling more efficient care delivery. In this study, we propose a method to classify each interphalangeal joint in hand photographs as swollen or not.

The shift from traditional to technology-based diagnosis and management of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) represents a significant evolution in patient care. Traditionally, PsA was diagnosed and managed through clinical evaluations, physical examinations, and basic imaging techniques. With the evolution of digital technologies, the PsA care is transforming, giving rise to the field of digital rheumatology. In this vein, Europe has invested in research initiatives, like iPROLEPSIS, that could accelerate this transformation and redefine PsA care within a digital world. In this Viewpoint we present the current clinical PsA landscape, highlight the PsA patients' interaction with the digital world, and showcase the novel iPROLEPSIS digital offerings. The latter scaffold digital rheumatology by identifying PsA key drivers. Moreover, they support personalized PsA risk prediction and improve early PsA detection. Furthermore, they enable precise PsA treatment strategies and digital therapeutics within a novel digital health ecosystem.

Serious Games (SGs) have the potential to provide clinical care and enhance patients’ quality of life, while incorporating an element of
entertainment. As part of the iPROLEPSIS Horizon Europe project, we introduce two Sensorimotor Art games designed as SGs to assist Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) patients in managing their symptoms.

Dietary habits significantly affect health conditions and are closely related to the onset and progression of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Consequently, a well-balanced diet plays an important role in lessening the effects of various disorders, including NCDs.

In addition to biological interventions, traditional treatments often include physiotherapy and exercise to improve range of motion and physical function. However, a prevalence of low consistency, high costs, and lack of engagement leads to high drop-out rates, making these interventions ineffective. Exergames, short for exercise games, provide an accessible alternative to complement traditional interventions, which embed therapeutic movements into game mechanics, motivating patients to remain active and consistent in their rehabilitation routines. Here we present the design of two exergames for PsA, namely The Spy and Zen Forest.

Can effective treatment of psoriasis (PsO) prevent the development of psoriatic arthritis (PsA)? In a Hot Topic Debate at the 7th World Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis Conference, Dr. Soriano and Dr. Ogdie, both experts in the field, presented contrasting views based on existing research and clinical studies.1 Dr. Soriano argued that biologic treatments for PsO may reduce PsA risk, citing several retrospective studies. On the other hand, Dr. Ogdie argued that current observational data are plagued by biases, making it difficult to conclude whether biologics play a protective role. The session outlined the complexity of this issue, with both speakers agreeing on the need for prospective randomised controlled trials, such as the ongoing PAMPA study, to provide definitive answers. Prof. Laura Coates added that identifying at-risk patients and intervening early to potentially prevent PsA may point to a strategic research approach to address these unanswered questions.

Serious Games (SGs) have been explored in healthcare
for their potential as gamified means for disease assessment and/or intervention. Designing effective SGs requires attention to user requirements and iterative development. We introduce
a SG design process for Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) patients, aiming to enhance their quality of life.

In recent years, major advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to the development of powerful AI systems for use in the field of nutrition in order to enhance personalized dietary recommendations and improve overall health and well-being.

This study aimed to co-design mobile serious games—NoPain Games—to support patients with PsA in managing chronic pain. Conducted within the iPROLEPSIS Horizon Europe project, the study involved a multidisciplinary cocreation session with rheumatologists, researchers, and technical experts, followed by a usability feedback session with patients with PsA. The goal was to identify therapeutic priorities, refine game mechanics, and assess usability to inform the development of personalized, accessible digital interventions.

The widespread adoption of wearables, for example, smartphones and smartwatches in the daily lives of the general population, allows passive monitoring of physiological and behavioural data in the real world. This qualitative study explores the perspective of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients towards these so-called digital biomarkers (dBMs).

A healthy and balanced diet is of paramount importance to the physical and psychological well-being of an individual, since unhealthy dietary choices have been linked with the occurrence of non-communicable diseases.

Serious Games (SGs) offer significant potential in healthcare for disease assessment and intervention, enhancing patients’ quality of life. Exercise SGs, or Exergames, promote physical activity and mobility in a gamified environment, encouraging tailored exercises based on individual abilities and needs.