Walking, one of the most important functional activities in humans, is a hallmark of independence, an indirect indicator of overall functional ability, and a valuable fitness activity helpful in controlling obesity. Cerebra Palsy (CP) is the most common disabling in children and almost all of these children have gait that is impaired in some way, leading to diminished speed, energy inefficiency and exhaustion, joint pain and degradation, tripping and falling, cosmetic concerns, and a host of other musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional problems. Orthotics for patients with CP are often prescribed to correct and/or prevent deformity, to provide a base of support, to facilitate trainin in skills, and/or improve the efficiency of gait. Unfortunately the orthotics are generally cumbersome, unsightly, and uncomfortable leading to low levels of compliance. Having insight into the levels of compliance and the outcomes of the orthotics would help clinicians tailor the treatment to find a workable solution for each individual patient. Proposed is an unobtrusive and cost effective device to accurately assess the outcomes and compliance of a wide variety of orthotics. Using the data from this device will allow caregivers to arrive a solution for the patiet which is both helpful and has high compliance.

Public Health Relevance

The proposed program seeks to develop a device which unobtrusively monitors the compliance and outcomes of orthotics used to treat the symptoms of cerebral palsy patients accurately, unobtrusively, and continuously over an extended period. By monitoring the community based outcomes, effectiveness and progress of orthotics, clinicians will have an increased insight into the behavior of patents outside of a laboratory environment. This increased visibility into issues and effectiveness of the orthotics will lead to and improved quality of life for the patient.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
5R43HD080241-02
Application #
8852667
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHD1)
Program Officer
Marden, Susan F
Project Start
2014-06-01
Project End
2017-05-31
Budget Start
2015-06-01
Budget End
2017-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Innovative Design Labs, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
964564731
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
Country
United States
Zip Code
55413