SBIR/STTR Award attributes
PROJECT SUMMARY ABSTRACT IntroductionThe Motivating Occupational Virtual Experiences In Therapy for kidsMOVE ITSBIR Phase I program will support intensive rehabilitation for pediatric hemiplegia through mixed reality games that inspire high dosagetask directed upper extremityUEmovementsAlthough dosage of training is almost uniformly associated with better outcomes in UE rehabilitationachieving the repetitions necessary to achieve lasting results through neuroplasticity is a formidable challengeThe MOVE IT system will employ mixed reality games that combine virtualand real world physical elements to provide therapists with a turn key solution that engages patients in repetitive practicefacilitating evidence based approaches including constraintinduced movement therapyCIMTand bimanual intensive therapyBIMThis highly innovative solution employs modern video game engine technologylow cost human motion trackingand a roboticsmart toyto create games that promote adherencePlayers are immersed in engaging storylines and multi modal experiences that nourish the basic psychological needs underpinning human motivationA web based provider dashboard will enable therapists to track patient statusmanage difficulty settingsas well as generate reports that document activity and progress via game derived metrics that will be validated as part of the proposed Phase I activityProblem to be addressedPediatric hemiplegia can result from Cerebral PalsyCPor acquired brain injuryincluding pediatric stroketraumatumoror other diseaseand adversely affects motor functions essential to self careplayexploratory learningand other daily activitiesCPin particularimpacts more thaninchildren in the U Sof whom will experience some level of impairment in UE functionLong Term GoalsProvide a system for both clinical and home use that facilitates delivery of evidence based therapies for hemiplegiasuch as CIMT and BIMwhile improving patient participation and adherence to these regimesReduce the cost ofand improve access tostate of the art rehabilitationProvide validated means for therapists to gauge and track patient progress in both clinical and home based treatment programsPhase I SummaryBarron Associates Incaward winning innovators in video game therapy and advanced human computer interfaceshas partnered with pediatric rehabilitation specialists at the University of VirginiaUVato create a highly innovative system that combines virtual world based games with a robotic smart toyThe combination provides a mixed reality experience that includes sightsoundand touchPhase I tasks include prototype development and demonstration of concept feasibility in testing with pediatric patients at the UVa Children s HospitalCommercial OpportunityThe MOVE IT system will provide a low costturn key support tool for evidencebasedintensive therapies for use in rehabilitation in both clinics and home based programs PROJECT NARRATIVEMOVE IT is a mixed reality system that supports intensive upper extremity therapy for pediatric hemiplegia through fun and engaging game experiencesThe proposed SBIR Phase I program addresses important public health concerns bymaking high dosage rehabilitation programs more enjoyable and cost effective for patientssupporting therapists in delivery of extended durationevidence based programsimproving access to remote and underserved areas by enabling home based practice under parental supervision and remote guidanceandproviding validated metrics for use by therapists to guidetrackand document patient progress
