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Computerized Orthotic Prescription System - COPS

Award Information
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Branch: National Institutes of Health
Contract: 1R43HD069095-01
Agency Tracking Number: R43HD069095
Amount: $207,206.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: NICHD
Solicitation Number: PA10-050
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2011
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
6405 218TH ST SW Suite 100
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WA 98043-
United States
DUNS: 801230413
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 TOSHIKI KOBAYASHI
 (800) 672-1710
 tkobayashi@orthocareinnovations.com
Business Contact
 DAVID BOONE
Phone: (800) 672-1710
Email: dboone@orthocareinnovations.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Stiffness and alignment of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are essential factors for its optimal function and fit. Improper stiffness and alignment of an AFO may induce joint pain, reduced ambulatory function, and increasedmedical complications for patients with stroke. As a consequence, the relative quality of AFOs fit determined by its stiffness and alignment is of paramount concern in the daily lives of patients ambulating with an AFO. The objective of the proposed workis to create and demonstrate a novel system for AFOs called the Computerized Orthotic Prescription System (COPS), which assists orthotists to optimize the dynamic function of AFOs for patients with stroke. COPS assists orthotists in tuning the AFO stiffness dynamically and aligning the AFO statically. The concept of the COPS is as follows. It consists of an instrumented insole, a tunable AFO with a magnetro-rheologic fluid brake joint and software. The inclinometer incorporated within the AFO is used to tune alignment to a defined angle statically. The instrumented insole is designed to calculate the external moments acting on the ankle joint while wearing the AFO. The software subsequently analyzes the data sent wirelessly from the insole and gives recommendations to orthotists on its stiffness change dynamically. In this study, we will refine the prototype instrumented insole and incorporate it into the tunable AFO, develop a stiffness prediction algorithm for the software, and clinically test the proof ofconcept of COPS. Development of the stiffness prediction algorithm will be based on our experience on the previous project: the Computerized Prosthesis Alignment System (Compas). The fuzzy logic algorithm for prediction of improper stiffness will be developed through input of data collected for known stiffness deviations. Finally, proof of concept will involve the investigation of the effectiveness of COPS to detect sub-optimal stiffness conditions and the ability of COPS to indicate appropriate remediationto the orthotist. If successful, COPS will give confidence to both orthotists and patients and significantly reduce time for the iterative process of stiffness and alignment tuning an AFO. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: This project will assist and improve the prescription of ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) for patients with stroke. The technology will objectively guide the orthotists to determine the optimal stiffness and alignment of AFOs to maximize their dynamic function for each individual patient.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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