Sensory Test And Balance Limit Evaluation (STABLE)

This Sequential Phase II proposal will advance the technology discussed in topic DHA211-006 for a compact, portable, customizable computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) system that provides standardized sensory organization tests (SOT) to selectively manipulate and measure responses by the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems to be conducted in clinic or field environments. The Barron Associates team proposes the Sensory Test And Balance Limit Evaluation (STABLE) system, which will heavily leverage the team’s successful Phase II design and include hardware and software enhancements to improve its clinical utility, ease of use, portability, cost, and manufacturability.  The system combines innovations in mechatronic design with virtual reality (VR) capabilities developed at Barron Associates. A novel mechanical design allows increased motion performance for sway-referenced tests.  The system fully reproduces the accuracy of standard SOTs, while also allowing increased control over the parameters of these tests.  A software development kit allows third-party access to the platform sensors and actuators.  The proposed work will culminate with a clinical evaluation.  The team has the combined experience necessary to advance the technology to a technical readiness level (TRL) of 7 and transition it to commercial markets following this contract.