STTR Phase I: Transfer Training Device to Reduce Falls and Increase Mobility in Older Adults

Award ID: 2223163

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project is a novel walker with active corrective feedback and training protocols enabling patients the ability to reliably and repeatedly transition from a seated position to a standing posture. Falls among elderly adults are the leading cause of injury resulting in 3 million emergency room visits and 800,000 hospitalizations. These accidents account for $50 billion in direct medical costs each year. This project aims to develop a novel device which directly improves the sit-to-stand (STS) transfer phase which accounts for 41% of falls in elderly and/or cognitively impaired adults. Over half of individuals using walkers currently do not receive the proper assistive-device utilization training due to varying therapist techniques, communication, environment, or the patient's cognitive abilities. This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project aims to develop a device for ensuring a safer and more consistent transition from a sit-to-stand posture in patients using front-wheel walkers. Current sit-to-stand training relies solely upon verbal therapist instruction or demonstration and often results in lack of consistency in delivery. The proposed device integrates biomechanical measurements, trained therapist observations, and patient auditory and visual feedback, in conjunction with an educational and training protocol, to ensure proper patient biomechanics, in a semi-autonomous manner. A prototype system will be developed and validated in a patient proof of concept study demonstrating consistent and reliable posture changes in order to significantly reduce the risks for falls and injuries, while reducing emotional and physical demands on patients and caregivers. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NSF Program Director: Edward Chinchoy