Motivating Occupational Virtual Experiences In Therapy for kids

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Introduction: The Motivating Occupational Virtual Experiences In Therapy for kids (MOVE-IT) SBIR Phase II
program will support telehealth delivery of intensive rehabilitation for pediatric hemiplegia through smart toy-
enabled games that inspire high-dosage, task-directed upper extremity (UE) movements. Although higher-
dosage training is almost uniformly associated with better outcomes in UE rehabilitation [1], [2], [3], [4], achieving
the repetitions necessary to attain lasting results through neuroplasticity is a formidable challenge. The MOVE-
IT system will employ therapy games that combine virtual- and real-world physical elements to provide a turn-
key solution suitable for both home and clinical use. MOVE-IT will engage patients in repetitive practice,
facilitating an evidence-based approach that integrates proven concepts in constraint-induced movement
therapy (CIMT) and other intensive therapy regimes [5]. This innovative solution employs a multi-sensory smart
toy, advanced game engine, and low-cost motion tracking to create games that promote sustained adherence.
Problem to be Addressed: Pediatric hemiplegia can result from Cerebral Palsy (CP) or acquired brain injury
(including pediatric stroke, trauma, tumor, or other disease), and adversely affect motor functions essential to
self-care, play, exploratory learning, and other daily activities [6]. Existing systems do not currently support
telehealth delivery of the high-dosage, evidence-based therapy required for improvement in UE function.
Long-Term Goals: Provide an effective home exercise program supported by remote guidance and monitoring
of evidence-based treatment for pediatric hemiplegia. Improve patient participation and adherence to an
intensive therapy regimen. Reduce the cost of, and improve access to, state-of-the-art rehabilitation. Provide
validated metrics for remotely tracking patient status and progress.
Phase I Results: Phase I produced a prototype smart toy, two UE therapy mini-games, human kinematics
tracking software, and validated UE motor performance metrics. A pilot study was conducted at the University of
Virginia (UVA) Children’s Hospital involving 10 children with hemiplegia. Analysis confirms the primary Phase I
hypothesis that MOVE-IT generated metrics have high criterion validity with gold-standard measures of UE motor
function. Patient/parent interviews/questionnaires strongly support the technology’s acceptance and usability.
Phase II Summary: MOVE-IT Phase II will produce a commercial system including an enhanced smart toy and
quest-based game software for sustained engagement over a full course of therapy; demonstrate efficacy;
establish safety and usability; and pursue FDA-clearance. Phase II will culminate in a rater-blinded randomized,
controlled trial to investigate efficacy in home use by children with hemiplegia, as measured by change in gold-
standard measures of UE function for a cohort using MOVE-IT compared to a usual care treatment (UCT) group.
Commercial Opportunity: High likelihood of commercialization is supported by Barron Associates’ past
successes in development, clinical trials, FDA-clearance, and marketing of innovative technology for UE therapy.PROJECT NARRATIVEMOVE-IT is a mixed-reality system supporting evidence-based home exercise for pediatric hemiplegia with
telehealth guidance and remote monitoring. A unique smart toy and dragon-themed therapy software supports
delivery of intensive upper extremity rehabilitation through fun and engaging game experiences. The proposed
SBIR Phase II program addresses important public health concerns by: (1) enabling telehealth delivery of
evidence-based therapy; (2) making high-dosage therapy programs more enjoyable and cost effective; (3)
improving access to remote and underserved areas by enabling home-based practice under parental supervision
with remote monitoring and guidance by medical professionals; and (4) providing clinical study-validated,
automatically-generated metrics for use by therapists to guide, track, and document patient progress.