In the modern era, wearables, AI and virtual reality are transforming recovery from medical procedures. Data streams and intelligent coaching help guide patients back into good form quicker than would otherwise be possible.
This shift is currently on display as WHOOP and Kinomatic initiate a new pilot endeavour. On Jul. 9, the companies launched the Kinomatic “RESTORE” pilot to support patients recovering from joint replacement surgery. The programme integrates continuous biometric monitoring with concierge (membership) care to shorten the gap between the operating room and ideal long-term outcomes.
Patients will wear a WHOOP strap that delivers 24/7 insights into heart rate variability, sleep, strain and recovery metrics. The study will run for three months at a trio of California clinics with over 100 patients.
Care coordinators and AI systems then review this data. Surgeons can see how patients are doing between appointments, spot problems early, and create personalised recovery plans instead of using a standard one-size-fits-all approach.
Meanwhile, Kinomatic adds its AI and virtual reality tools that help surgeons plan the operation more precisely before the patient goes into theatre. It also brings proven recovery methods that reduce opioid use and encourage gentle exercises at home at the patient’s own pace. Founded in 2021, Kinomatic was created for surgery planning and aftercare.
Together, the two companies aim to speed up healing, cut hospital readmissions, improve patient satisfaction and sharply reduce the need for strong painkillers.
“More than a decade of opioid-sparing research proves 97 per cent of knee replacement patients following our chief medical officer’s protocol need 10 or fewer opioids,” said Kinomatic chief executive Shaun Lea, “and many take none at all.”
Read more: Breath Diagnostics advances pre-op pneumonia screening with FDA breakthrough designation
Pilot builds on prior tech-assisted recovery progress
This is not the first time wearables and digital tools have been used in orthopaedics.
Cleveland Clinic researchers analysed Fitbit data from knee replacement patients in 2026. They mapped daily step counts before and after surgery to better understand typical recovery patterns, showing how activity drops sharply at first before gradually rebounding.
Similarly, Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc‘s (NYSE: ZBH) (FRA: ZIM) mymobility app links patients to their care team via iPhone and Apple Watch. It offers guided exercises, reminders and progress tracking throughout the surgical journey.
Another approach comes from the Motionsense wearable sensor platform, employed by schools such as the University of Rhode Island. It continuously monitors movement and range of motion after surgery, providing valuable data to personalise rehabilitation.
The new WHOOP-Kinomatic pilot builds on these earlier efforts, but adds deeper biometric insights plus dedicated care coordinators for personal support.
Initiative builds on financial momentum
This pilot capitalises on recent momentum at both firms. Kinomatic closed a US$4 million seed funding round last month, led by Waterline Ventures, to scale its personalised, opioid-sparing approach and expand AI capabilities.
WHOOP just celebrated recognition for its researcher Josh Leota, PhD, being named a 2026 Outstanding Early Investigator by the Sleep Research Society for his impactful work on sleep science.
This latest collaboration also builds on WHOOP’s strong financial position after raising US$575 million in March at a US$10.1 billion valuation. The health tech maker is preparing for an IPO.
Read more: Prestigious medtech intelligence firm recognizes Breath Diagnostics for innovation
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