Current projects

Spa Research Centre

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  • Project Number: CZ.10.01.01/00/22_001/0000261
  • Program: Operational Programme Just Transition
  • Project Duration: 2024 - 2027
  • Main Coordinator: Institute of Spa and Balneology, v.v.i. (Institut lázeňství a balneologie, v.v.i.)

Partners:

  • University of West Bohemia in Pilsen
  • Faculty of Health Care Studies
  • Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art
  • Faculty of Economics
  • Czech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT)
  • Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v. v. i.

Project Information:

The main goal of the project is to build an environment and infrastructure for the implementation of scientific research activities in the field of spa and balneology, with high application potential and a perspective for significant contribution to the economic growth of the Karlovy Vary region. More at https://www.i-lab.cz/projekt/clv/

One of the sub-projects is “Spa rehabilitation combined with therapeutic outdoor activity in the therapeutic spa landscape,” which is jointly addressed by the Faculty of Health Care Studies and the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art.

The expected outcome of this project is to test the effectiveness of therapeutic outdoor activities in the therapeutic spa landscape as part of spa treatment.

The aim is to enhance the effectiveness of outdoor activities in spa treatment, actively engage the patient in rehabilitation, and improve the patient’s overall physical condition within a 3-week comprehensive spa stay.

The role of the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art is to design trail signage and urban furniture in the therapeutic spa landscape of Karlovy Vary.

Research of an analytical computational method for accurate registration of static and dynamic interfacial relationships and development of additive manufacturing of prototype registration devices for complete digitization of 3D printing of total removable denture production

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  • Main Coordinator:      Protetika Plzeň s.r.o.
  • Project Partner:  Faculty of Health Care Studies, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen
  • Project Number: CZ.01.01.01/01/22_002/0000660
  • Program: Operational Programme Technology and Applications for Competitiveness

Project Information:

The subject of this project is the implementation of activities in the field of industrial research and experimental development, leading to the production of a prototype of innovative registration tools and a verified technology for the complete digitalization of total removable denture manufacturing using 3D printing. The essence of the project is to refine and simplify the production of total removable dentures by modifying the conventional process.

Support for healthy pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and self-care

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  • Project Number: 82/24/PPZ
  • Provider:  Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic
  • Program: Health Promotion, Increasing Efficiency and Quality of Health Care
  • Main Coordinator:  University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Faculty of Health Care Studies

Project Information:

The main goal of the project is to educate the primary target group of pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as other relevant individuals, including women planning pregnancy and those caring for these target groups (such as students preparing for a professional career as midwives). These individuals will subsequently educate pregnant and breastfeeding women on selected topics related to a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and motherhood in connection with breastfeeding. At the same time, the project aims to act preventively through educational activities to mitigate risky behavior during pregnancy and motherhood related to breastfeeding. Each lecture will present a key topic within a two-hour session, with a portion dedicated to practical training and participant questions. This approach will significantly enhance the education of pregnant and breastfeeding women, supporting their understanding of a healthy lifestyle.

The project is implemented with financial support from the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic.

Applied research on exoskeleton for use in rehabilitation

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Project Title: Applied Research of an Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation

  • Project Number: BYCZ01-007
  • Project Acronym: ExRe
  • Program: INTERREG Bavaria – Czech Republic 2021–2027
  • Priority: 1 - Research and Knowledge Transfer
  • Specific Objective: 1 - RSO1.1 - Development and Strengthening of Research and Innovation Capacities and Implementation of Advanced Technologies
  • Total Project Costs: 990,923.76 EUR
  • Project Duration: 36 months

Lead Partner: Technische Hochschule Deggendorf

  • Technology Campus Cham
  • Technology Campus Hutthurm
  • Healthcare Campus Bad Kötzting

Partners: University of West Bohemia in Pilsen

  • Faculty of Health Care Studies
  • Faculty of Design and Art Ladislav Sutnar
  • Regional Technology Institute
  • Faculty of Applied Sciences

Associated Partners:

  • Ilona Zahradnická
  • Protetika Plzeň s.r.o.
  • Ambulante Krankenpflege Hiebl GmbH
  • Gesundheitsregion Plus Landkreis Cham
  • Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft im Landkreis Cham mbH

Project Summary:

The project develops joint research capacities in the field of applied research, focusing on the development of a test prototype of a state-of-the-art lower limb exoskeleton for rehabilitation purposes. It utilizes innovations in design, construction technologies, 3D printing, and brain-computer interface (conversion of brain signals into limb movement). The project also strengthens joint research capacities for technology transfer in rehabilitation and prosthetics.

The project will be implemented by a consortium of partners through a multidisciplinary research team. Partners will collaborate on all activities, share research know-how, and use joint research capacities in accordance with the priorities of RIS3 and the Hightech Agenda. The research teams involved include THD Deggendorf/TC Cham, GC Bad Kötzting, TC Hutthurm, and the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen/Faculty of Health Care Studies, Faculty of Design and Art Ladislav Sutnar, Faculty of Applied Sciences, and Faculty of Mechanical Engineering/RTI. The project will also involve five associated partners from practice.

Overview of Bavarian-Czech Activities:

  • Introductory Workshops
  • Preparation of Research Objectives
  • Optimization of the Design-Construction-Technological Solution of the Exoskeleton
  • Prototyping and Testing of the Exoskeleton
  • Finalization of Technical Procedures and Dissemination of Results
  • Support for Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer.

Education of a multidisciplinary Czech-Bavarian student team in neurorehabilitation

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Project Title: Education of a Multidisciplinary Czech-Bavarian Student Team in Neurorehabilitation

  • Project Number: BYCZ01-038
  • Project Acronym: NEURO
  • Program: INTERREG Bavaria – Czech Republic 2021–2027
  • Priority: 3 - Education

Specific Objective: 3 - RSO4.2 - Improving Equal Access to Inclusive and Quality Services in Education, Vocational Training, and Lifelong Learning by Developing Accessible Infrastructure, Including Strengthening Resilience for Distance and Online Education and Training

  • Total Project Costs: 576,954.68 EUR
  • Project Duration: 36 months

Lead Partner:  Faculty of Health Care Studies, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen

Partners:

  • Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg - Faculty of Applied Social and Health Sciences/Department of Physiotherapy
  • Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Pilsen

Associated Partners:

  • Konstantinovy Lázně Spa a.s.
  • Štěpánka Korcová
  • Deutscher Verband für Physiotherapie (ZVK) e.V.

Project Summary:

Worldwide, there is a strong emphasis on the physical rehabilitation of patients after a stroke (also known as cerebrovascular accident, CVA), and therapist education in this field is at a high level. However, education in neurorehabilitation (coordinated rehabilitation of patients with brain and spinal cord injuries to minimize and/or compensate for functional changes) is significantly less developed. Since stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and one of the main causes of disability, improving cross-border educational opportunities in neurorehabilitation is a pressing challenge.

The NEURO project focuses on collaboration in unifying educational content, exchanging and sharing professional information and experience in neurorehabilitation for stroke in the Czech-Bavarian region, primarily by involving a multidisciplinary student team alongside educators from partner universities. As part of the project, the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen will introduce its partners to its unique approach to diagnosing cognitive disorders (impairments in memory, thinking, spatial orientation, concentration), which enables appropriate rehabilitation treatment for stroke patients in line with current medical trends.

The multidisciplinary nature of the team is key to overcoming language and system barriers in education, but more importantly, it effectively expands awareness of stroke care in line with current treatment trends. At the same time, joint professional education in the Czech-Bavarian region helps raise public awareness of existing neurorehabilitation methods and improves the quality of current care.

The team consists of key partners from the Faculty of Health Care Studies at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, the Faculty of Medicine at Charles University in Pilsen, and the Faculty of Applied Social and Health Sciences at Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg, with whom the University of West Bohemia has maintained an intensive cross-border collaboration for many years.

Overview of Czech-Bavarian Activities:

  • Introductory Workshops and Project Team Meetings
  • Ongoing Work of the Multidisciplinary Student Team – Phase 1
  • Ongoing Work of the Multidisciplinary Student Team – Phase 2
  • Ongoing Work of the Multidisciplinary Student Team – Phase 3
  • Excursion to Konstantinovy Lázně
  • Final Student Conference CZ

Computational and experimental support of 3d printing technology for high-stress plastic components with increased temperature and fatigue resistance

Program TREND
  • Project Number: FW06010517
  • Project Acronym: 3D Printing ILC and Co.
  • Provider: Technology Agency of the Czech Republic
  • Program: TREND - 6th Public Competition / Subprogram 1 "Technological Leaders"
  • Project Duration: 1/2023 – 6/2025
  • Main Coordinator: ILC FACTORY a.s.

Partners:

  • University of West Bohemia in Pilsen
  • Regional Technology Institute
  • Faculty of Health Care Studies
  • Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art
  • University of Pardubice: Jan Perner Faculty of Transport
  • TechSim Engineering s.r.o.

Project Information:

The aim of this project is to achieve a significant innovation in computational and experimental support for 3D printing of exposed plastic components that are subjected to cyclic loading or operate under extreme temperatures (low or high). All collaborating entities in this project utilize 3D printing methods in their business, research, or educational activities. The shared objective is to make significant advancements in this field, particularly in terms of manufacturing methods and material applications for small-scale production. Based on the findings of this project, it will be possible to predict the applicability of 3D printing technology for plastics across a wide range of products, addressing the diverse needs of the project participants. To facilitate a clear understanding of the concept and enable direct practical implementation—as well as to quantify the project's impacts and benefits—the participants have decided to focus on developing optimal support for the application of HP Jet Fusion 3D printing technology. For the purposes of this grant application, this goal has been specified through the development of final products, each representing a required property of the chosen manufacturing method (e.g., thermal resistance, strength, etc.). The project includes a total of 9 functional product sample proposals.

The Faculty of Health Care Studies (FZS) will focus on the Forearm Prosthesis project.

This project represents the use of 3D printing in medical devices, where absolute shape precision is crucial for patient safety. The forearm prosthesis includes an external socket, which is an essential part of the upper limb prosthesis. Its purpose is to connect the inner socket with the functional prosthetic components, protect the residual limb and internal mechanical or electronic parts of the prosthesis, and serve as a cosmetic or design replacement tailored to the individual needs of the patient. All these requirements are well-suited for the implementation of new 3D printing technologies. However, it is necessary to verify the exact construction and design process and test it in collaboration with patients.

New Directions in Electronics for Industry 4.0 and Medicine 4.0 Sub-project Sensors and Systems for Healthcare

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  • Project Number: TN02000067
  • Provider: TA CR
  • Program: National Centres of Competence
  • Subproject Duration: 3/2023 – 6/2026
  • Main Coordinator: Czech Technical University in Prague

Partners:
University of Pardubice, ELCERAM a.s., Tech Aid Czech Branch s.r.o., MDT-Medical Data Transfer s.r.o., UVB TECHNIK s.r.o., ARIA PURA s.r.o., Argotech a.s., XGLU s.r.o., 3Dees Industries s.r.o., MAGICWARE, spol. s r.o., NETWORK GROUP, s.r.o., FORTES interactive, s.r.o., PHYSTER TECHNOLOGY, a.s., prokyber s.r.o., ICRORISC s.r.o., Colognia press, a.s., Institute of Microelectronic Applications s.r.o., BD SENSORS s.r.o., Brno University of Technology, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Centre for Organic Chemistry s.r.o., Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v. v. i.

Project Information:

The main goal is to create a synergistic system of interdisciplinary collaboration between research institutions and commercial enterprises to establish conditions for the implementation of intelligent structures of components, sensors, modules, and systems with connectivity at reduced production costs and high reliability. This will contribute to reducing dependence on imports while ensuring competitiveness in global markets, in line with the trends of Industry 4.0 and Medicine 4.0.

Subproject Information:

In the healthcare sector, long-term patient care and the treatment of immobile patients are among the most vulnerable areas in terms of availability. These services should increasingly be carried out in the form of "home care" or remote medicine, where new sensor technologies and digital communication methods can be effectively applied, enabling the use of telemedicine tools. For these purposes, an integrated system of assistive devices and sensors measuring body functions and patient mobility is needed. These devices must be designed for direct contact with the patient while minimizing any restrictions on their movement. The collected data will be accessible to medical staff, allowing for remote monitoring, timely diagnosis, and targeted healthcare interventions. This has led to rapid advancements in wearable and portable sensors embedded in textiles, medical garments, and rehabilitation devices—such as "smart beds" and other assistive tools. These devices can also be incorporated into everyday home-use aids, providing a comprehensive remote overview of the patient’s condition. This Subproject focuses on the research and development of this category of sensors, integrating them directly into medical devices and assistive tools, including beds.

Pilsen Cup of rescuers

  • Main Coordinator: University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Faculty of Health Care Studies

Project Information:

The "Pilsen Rescuers' Cup" is a traditional international competition for university students enrolled in the Paramedic study program. It is organized by the Department of Emergency Care, Diagnostic Fields, and Public Health at the Faculty of Health Care Studies, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, and focuses on the latest advancements in pre-hospital emergency care.

The competition stages take the form of simulated model scenarios, which can be escalated to a state of immediate life-threatening danger for the patient but without any risk to their health. The realism of each scenario is ensured by using actual cases from the practice of our referees, realistic makeup effects, appropriate environmental settings, and real medical equipment relevant to each situation. A successfully managed scenario requires not only the complete stabilization and handover of the patient in real-time with an actual team but also proper communication—with the patient, within the team, and with other emergency response units.

Students thus have the opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills, familiarize themselves with the latest emergency medical technology, and test their physical and mental resilience while providing professional first aid in real-world terrain conditions. The competition also includes workshops and expert presentations by professionals from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where students can deepen their understanding of the emergency services system and gain hands-on experience with specialized equipment.

The traditional partners of the competition include the Emergency Medical Services of the Pilsen Region, the Air Rescue Service Center in Líně, the Mountain Rescue Service – Šumava Region, and the Security and Crisis Management Unit JPO 315801 – Šumava National Park Administration.