Computer Science and Data Science major A.J. Botticelli ’25 is working to improve eTherapy, a mobile application designed by previous Elizabethtown College Engineering students and faculty to provide biofeedback in occupational therapy and physical therapy sessions. By applying feedback offered by Etown Occupational Therapy students through beta testing last fall, A.J. is improving the app by developing tools for custom exercises, improving the user interface, and eliminating previous system failures.
This Summer Creative Arts and Research Program (SCARP) project is a continuation of over nine years of research from various Etown Engineering and Occupational Therapy students and faculty.
Title of Research
eTherapy App Development Phase II
Student Researcher
A.J. Botticelli ’25 (Computer Science and Data Science major)
Faculty Mentor
Kurt DeGoede, Professor of Engineering and Physics
What are you researching?
A.J.: I am improving upon the eTherapy app with the goal of improving user functionality, responding to the requests of past testers, and fixing bugs.
Why did you choose this topic?
A.J.: I plan to work in the tech field so the opportunity to work on a proper app interested me.
What is the most interesting aspect of this research?
A.J.: I have found learning the many systems that go into this app to be interesting and I am glad to have the experience and even the struggles that come with.
How has your faculty mentor helped you?
A.J.: I have enjoyed working with Dr. DeGoede. I felt I have had the support I need to achieve what I need to achieve.
Hear from the faculty mentor – Kurt DeGoede
“We have previously (2013-18) developed a tool for real-time biofeedback during OT or PT therapy sessions,” DeGoede said. “A series of OT graduate research teams worked with practicing clinicians to pilot and assess this tool’s use in the clinical setting. This tool was well received by clinicians, but three significant limitations prevented wider adoption. The sensors were bulky, wired to a PC, and exhibited frustrating levels of sensor drift.
“In a 2021 SCARP Project, we developed eTherapy utilizing Notch Sensors. These sensors address the primary shortcomings of the previous system. They are lighter, smaller, and wireless and as research-grade sensors, also address drift issues. A.J. is working this summer to improve the current functionality in response to the field testing results.”
