Wednesday, May 14, 2025
5/14/2025
PlayGait: A Dynamic Pediatric Exoskeleton to Improve Community Ambulation - Project Goals: This SBIR Phase I six-month project will result in a prototype novel, energy storing and returning dynamic lower-limb exoskeleton (called PlayGait) aimed to improve walking in children with neuromuscular disorders, such as cerebral palsy (CP), cervical spine injury, and spina bifida. This project directly addresses NIDILRR’s improved community living and participation outcome domain in an underserved population. Objectives: Aim 1 – Design and construct PlayGait. A purely mechanical gait energy storage and return (ESR) system will be integrated with off-the-shelf hip, knee, and ankle orthosis components to create a dynamic exoskeleton. The ESR system provides tunable energy storage for different users and enables appropriate timing of the energy return during walking. Aim 2 – Evaluate PlayGait. Focus groups with stakeholders (children, parents, and clinicians) throughout device development will inform design decisions. Bench testing will verify that PlayGait mechanical mechanisms meet specifications and verify functionality of the energy storage and return system. In a clinical trial, we will assess PlayGait’s impact on users’ activity levels in the community. Phase I Outcomes and Products are: (1) a functional exoskeleton, (2) stakeholder feedback, and demonstrated increase in (3) step cadence and (4) endurance when using PlayGait during the clinical trial. Phase II will be a large clinical efficacy trial to demonstrate improved walking outcomes in the community for children with CP. Summary: PlayGait enables children with neuromuscular disorders to improve their walking ability through gait assistance in community settings. The commercial opportunity exists with clinicians who desire to prescribe a device for their pediatric patients that supports quality walking outside the clinic at home and in the community.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).