SBIR/STTR Award attributes
In an effort to provide a solution to reduce the number of lower extremity injuries that occur, as well as a cost savings to our military, we have begun work on an innovative solution that would minimize the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries and allow the warfighter to continue to operate in garrison or operational environments, in the event an injury occurs. The IFAST is a pre- and/or post-injury ankle support system which is affixed to the foot and rests inside of a military boot. The technology serves as a stabilizing device for the warfighter’s ankle. When worn pre-injury, the IFAST allows the warfighter to continue to perform unrestricted while reducing the probability of an ankle injury by providing the support necessary at the end-range-of-motion. In the event of an injury, the IFAST provides the injured ankle with the customized support needed by adding a lightweight and compact transportable stay-system. The IFAST can easily be used in a variety of military theaters, including rough, uneven, or mountainous terrain, where advanced technologies and providers with specialized experience are not available.
