TheraReach: An innovative telemedicine approach to deliver musculoskeletal service

This project explores the design and development of TheraReach, a portable telemedicine device created for efficient upper-body musculoskeletal assessments. Based on extensive research into telemedicine applications, healthcare system challenges, and current technological capabilities, the project proposes an innovative solution to improve remote physical assessment experiences. Early research identified service delivery as a key area needing improvement, leading to the exploration of telemedicine’s potential in physical assessments. Through analysis of existing products, dimensional standards, and user-centered needs, essential design requirements were defined. After brainstorming and concept sketching, three initial designs were developed. Feedback from healthcare professionals informed an iterative process that refined the final concept. Following the principles of the golden ratio for visual harmony and usability, the final TheraReach design integrates dynamic strength measurement tools and real-time feedback within a compact, user-friendly system. While the current version focuses on upper-body assessments, the project demonstrates the broader potential for expanding telemedicine into physical evaluation domains. By improving accessibility, enhancing user experience, and supporting personalized care, TheraReach reimagines the future of healthcare service delivery, offering a more efficient, convenient, and patient-centered solution.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.F.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Art and Design

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Gao, Yanlu

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sethi, Suresh
• Amos, Jenny
• Aguiar, Carlos

• Telemedicine
• Musculoskeletal Assessments
• Healthcare
• Service Delivery
• Industrial Design

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Yanlu Gao

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129632

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129632