Grant: Idea to Innovation

Our proposed invention is based on Active Arm Passive Leg Exercise (AAPLE) machines (i.e. machines where arm motion drives paralyzed leg motion), a form of exercise that improves cardiovascular (CV) health in people with spinal cord injury. Our prototype, the AAPLE-Walk, extends this concept to allow for arm driven walking motion while standing for people with complete lower limb paralysis. With AAPLE-Walk, a user is stand-supported on a modified elliptical-type exercise machine. The user's arm movements can be used to drive their legs in walking patterns at variable intensities appropriate for CV fitness. The ability of AAPLE-Walk to drive synchronized gait-like movements while weight bearing opens up the possibility of rehabilitation locomotor therapy similar to that provided by expensive gait trainers or exoskeletons. Our device can also be used with active leg movements when physically possible, and any combination of left/right arm/leg inputs, opening up the possibility of it benefitting people with a wide range of mobility limitations (e.g. stroke, neurological conditions, aging). We have recently had a person with a complete spinal cord injury demonstrate independent use of a fully-functioning AAPLE-Walk prototype. We believe that a device that can provide the combination of benefits of CV exercise, weight bearing, and gait training in an inexpensive package has significant market potential. But while we have made significant progress with our invention, additional engineering research is needed to further the usability, performance, and functionality of the device. Before moving forward with this work, a greater understanding of the overall market is needed. The knowledge gained through this market assessment will be used to confirm market size and provide confidence to invest further R & D resources as well as focus our development efforts to target specific market need and/or add device features that enable a wider population of users. We will also identify potential company partners and scope a go-to-market plan that considers the specific characteristics of launching an adapted exercise machine product.