SBIR-STTR Award

This project demonstrates the technical merit, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of a Neurological Guidance, Assessment, Goals and Engagement (NGAGE) system for people with Parkinson’s and other degenerative neurological diseases. People with Parkinson’s disease and other similar degenerative neurological diseases may be able maintain their levels of function with proper ongoing exercise programs geared towards their individualized needs. The NGAGE system supports individuals with Parkinson’s to increase their engagement in the maintenance of their disease. The built-in natural support mechanisms promote independence, enhance self-esteem, and create opportunities for self-direction using a respectful, non-invasive approach. This project combines commercially available components, cloud computing, open source utilities, and an innovative approach to create the NGAGE system. The result is a standardized, cost-effective option to improve assessments, and provide meaningful feedback to increase the engagement and participation with users. Specific Phase I objectives include: (1) determine end user requirements, (2) develop a proof-of-concept prototype of the system, and (3) evaluate of the utility of the prototype with actual individuals and the clinicians who support them, while performing voice and physical exercises under varying cognitive loads, using protocols developed by Triad Exercise Technologies.

This project demonstrates the technical merit, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of a Neurological Guidance, Assessment, Goals and Engagement (NGAGE) system for people with Parkinson’s and other degenerative neurological diseases. People with Parkinson’s disease and other similar degenerative neurological diseases may be able maintain their levels of function with proper ongoing exercise programs geared towards their individualized needs. The NGAGE system supports individuals with Parkinson’s to increase their engagement in the maintenance of their disease. Specific Phase II objectives include: (1) expand NGAGE features and functions, (2) perform extended usability evaluations of the system in the homes of people with Parkinson’s, and (3) complete and prepare the system for transition into commercialization. Potential commercial markets include: (1) physical therapy or exercise training organizations in need of cost-effective options to reduce staff costs and support people with Parkinson’s at home or in their clinic, (2) people with Parkinson’s looking to improve their quality of life, (3) research facilities who are seeking standardized assessment tools and web-based reporting, and (4) providers seeking to restore the engagement of their patients from failed experiences.