A $750,000 Phase II grant from the National Institutes of Health will allow PhysioNetics, LLC to continue its development work on an innovative new “gripper” for upper-extremity prostheses. The funds will be used to conduct clinical research with upper-extremity amputees to demonstrate that PhysioNetics’ Vari-Pinch Prehensor (V2P) reduces cumulative injury and overuse syndrome among users. The grant monies also will be used to modify the V2P for commercial production.
The V2P’s patented design enables users to easily adjust the gripper’s pinch force to match the requirements of specific activities, thereby reducing muscle fatigue and lowering the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
In addition to the V2P, PhysioNetics developed an affordable, comfortable and highly resilient upper-extremity prosthesis intended to benefit millions of amputees worldwide. The body-powered prosthesis is marketed globally as the International Transradial Adjustable Limb (I-TAL).
Evaluations of the V2P and I-TAL in Jamaica and Colorado prove the units are robust and able to survive strenuous activities like those associated with farming and other occupations that require physical strength and dexterity. These positive results have attracted the attention of U.S. military personnel and arrangements are underway to supply the V2P and I-TAL units to soldier amputees.
Bradley Veatch, PhysioNetics president and CEO, was a finalist in the 2009 Champions in Healthcare awards program sponsored by the Denver Business Journal. Veatch was recognized in the “Innovator” category for his work on the V2P and I-TAL.
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