Motion-tracking rehabilitation bracelet for movement disorders

Unmet Need: At-home device for upper limb rehabilitation therapy

Current upper limb rehabilitation strategies for children with spastic cerebral palsy requires the assistance of a clinician or therapist. This is often difficult to implement outside the clinical setting and, importantly, the child from lacks engagement in therapeutic upper limb movements on their own, which can lead to decreased range of motion and muscular atrophy. There is a need for rehabilitation therapies that can be used at home in the absence of a clinician.

The Technology: Wearable biofeedback device for upper limb rehabilitation

This technology is a wearable bracelet that provides real-time feedback on arm activity for upper limb rehabilitation. It can be used in the absence of a clinician and aims to prevent decreased range of motion and muscular atrophy due to lack of arm movement. The device combines sensors, pattern recognition, machine learning algorithms and LED or haptic feedback with a child-friendly interface to bring upper limb rehabilitation therapies to an at-home setting.

Applications:

Rehabilitation therapy for patients with neuromuscular impairments
Rehabilitation therapy for post-surgical patients
Upper-limb rehabilitation tool
Smartwatches for improved fitness
Research tool for human movement researchers
Device to improve functional movements

Advantages:

Automated machine-learning algorithm
Real-time haptic or visual LED feedback
Wearable and easy-to-use device
Leverages child psychology techniques to motivate children with cerebral palsy
Can be tailored for specific diseases such as cerebral palsy
Allows continuation of physical and occupational therapy at home

Lead Inventor:

Blynn L. Shideler

Patent Information:

Patent Status

Tech Ventures Reference:

IR CU19289
Licensing Contact: Sara Gusik