Enhancing Flight Safety, Performance, and Pilot Readiness Through Vestibular Therapy

Neuromersive (dba Neuro Rehab VR) collaborates with the 48th Operational Medical Readiness and 492nd Fighter Squadron to integrate the company's XR Therapy System (XRTS) into Physical Therapy treatment protocols for vestibular conditions and neck pain through the development of new Vestibular Assessment and therapy Program (VATP) and Fighter Pilot Neck Training (FPNT) software modules.  The XRTS adds a clinically validated, FDA-registered, HIPAA-compliant VR system to the Air Force's physical therapy capabilities. By utilizing virtual reality headsets and advanced sensors, the system provides accurate and reliable monitoring of vestibular conditions, enabling enhanced readiness metrics and providing valuable insights for small-unit leaders. The XRTS also offers automated data acquisition, customizable exercises, and medical-grade hardware, making it superior to current offerings. During the SBIR Phase II project, Neuro Rehab VR gathers 48 OMRS/MDG and 492nd Fighter Squadron requirements, develops testing and evaluation procedures, and defines the technical R&D approach to determine the assessments and vestibular therapy module intended to significantly improve and enhance the performance of airmen that could be subjected to high-g environments and may have vertigo, dizziness issues, and neck injuries. The VATP will measure improvements in Vestibular Ocular Reflexes, static and dynamic balance, and reduction in symptoms of dizziness and vertigo. Additionally, Neuro Rehab VR develops the FPNT module proposed in this effort to strengthen the necks of fighter pilots, resulting in improved utilization of the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) during combat flights. This module can provide an effective and scalable approach to reduce the risk of neck injuries and improve the overall health of fighter pilots. This plan will be based on information provided by the 48th OMRS on types and amounts of injuries experienced throughout different career fields. The objective of this project is to create a plan to scale virtual reality assessment and therapy capabilities to units where it will have the greatest impact, such as Base Operations Support Teams and Operational Medical Readiness Squadrons. This effort is expected to result in Neuro Rehab VR's solution running within FedRamp-certified cloud environments and VR headset devices. Additionally, all documentation necessary for obtaining an ATO or cATO will be completed within the PoP and any other work needed to enable Neuro Rehab VR's solution to be used on DoD networks and integrated with DoD IT systems.