MobilityCoach: A Comprehensive Tele-Rehabilitation System That Improves Rural Seniors` Return to Mobility and Function after Orthopedic Surgery

The Goal of Mobility Coach is to Improve Rural Seniors` Return to Mobility and Function after Hip or Knee Replacement SurgeryThe number of hip and knee replacements is skyrocketing as rural patients are living longer and want to maintain their independence and mobility without pain. Ongoing support from physical therapists is required to make the rehab portion successful. However, low proximity to physical therapy and other obstacles complicate the delivery of rehab for rural patients. New reimbursement models for hip and knee replacement may exacerbate this situation. Mobility Coach will fill the gap via an enhanced tele-rehabilitation system to help rural patients stay compliant and return to mobility and function.This project will demonstrate the technical merit, feasibility and cost effectiveness of CreateAbility Inc.'s Mobility Coach. The system combines gaming technology with an innovative approach and state-of-the-art software to deliver an advanced system capable of increasing the exercise compliance during rehab for rural Americans. Phase I proved the technical feasibility and utility with physical therapists and rural patients during clinic appointments.Specific Phase II objectives include: 1) Evaluate of the utility of the evolving prototype with actual rural patients during their recovery, 2) Prepare for commercialization, and 3) Assess the cost-effectiveness and potential impact of the system on the socio-economic development of rural areas.The demand for Mobility Coach is expected to be high among the target population, driven by their need to stay compliant with exercises to: 1) maintain their independence, 2) reduce pain med usage, 3) low proximity to rehab professionals, and 4) return to full mobility and function after hip or knee replacement.