Barron Associates Receives Grant for Video Game-based Knee Therapy System

Barron Associates is developing the “Knee Biofeedback Rehabilitation Interface for Game-based Home Therapy (KneeBRIGHT)” system that combines electromyography (EMG) biofeedback with video game therapy to provide knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients with an engaging, effective tool for conducting rehabilitation exercises at home. KneeBRIGHT aims to motivate patients with knee OA to conduct regular muscle strengthening exercise through an engaging, EMG-driven video game therapy. Barron Associates has received a Phase II SBIR award to continue development of the KneeBRIGHT system. Preliminary data analysis from the Phase I testing with 19 knee OA patients indicated that knee extension torque generated during KneeBRIGHT exercise was increased by an average of 25% compared to traditional exercise. Patients using the KneeBRIGHT system also demonstrated increased exercise duration and engagement compared to the traditional exercise routine. The Phase II research effort will include wide-scale testing with patients to assess usability and efficacy.