ciTechCare researcher awarded Dr. Dário Cruz honorary grant

The project “Impact of an Artificial Intelligence–Supported Telerehabilitation Program in the Postoperative of Breast Cancer” was one of the winning proposals recognized by the Regional Center Branch of the Portuguese League Against Cancer in the 2025/2026 edition. The project’s principal investigator, Natália Martins, was awarded the Dr. Dário Cruz Grant on February 26—one of four honorary grants.

One of the project’s main objectives is to provide specialized and personalized physiotherapy care to women selected for breast cancer surgery, thereby ensuring equitable access to oncological physiotherapy within a healthcare system facing limited resources and high clinical demand.

The project proposes the development of an intelligent digital telerehabilitation platform capable of delivering individualized exercise sessions, remote monitoring, and direct communication with the physiotherapist. This approach enables continuous adjustment of the therapeutic plan according to each participant’s progress, promoting improvements in upper limb functionality, body image, and reduction of kinesiophobia, while also fostering self-confidence and autonomy throughout the recovery process. The program evaluation incorporates functional, psychosocial, and experiential dimensions, using validated instruments such as QuickDASH, the Body Image Scale, TSK-13, ESSS, and SF-12.

In this edition, 13 projects were awarded across various areas of oncology, including 9 grants for Research Centers and 4 Honorary Grants, representing a total investment of €156 000,00.