Therapeutic Vibration Device


A full-body device helping ICU patients avoid Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) by applying vibration to activate their muscles.

Value Proposition

Intensive Care Unit patients may be immobilized for weeks. This can create a cascade of consequences— including muscle atrophy, neuropathy, and worsening circulation and blood flow. The Therapeutic Vibration device is a compact, mobile and activates muscles through vibration therapy to reduce the effects of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS).

Competitive Advantage

  • Requires only 5-10 minutes, once or twice daily

  • Effects are equivalent to moderate exercise

  • Improved recovery time, shortened length of stay, better outcomes for patients in the ICU having prolonged periods of immobilization

  • A cost-saving benefit for hospitals by reducing length of stay and the number of personnel needed to begin rehabilitation of patients while in the ICU

Unique Features

  • Mobile and modular

  • Treatment can be performed even when the patient is sedated/unconscious

  • Compresses the body and tightens the joints so the vibrations travel all the way through the body

  • Vibrates at both ends of the skeletal system through four entry points—two at the shoulders and two at the feet

Principal Investigators
Kevin Ward, MD
Bogdan Epureanu, PhD

Licensing Manager
Jeremy Nelson

Intellectual Property
Invention Disclosure # 7258
Patent Application Submitted

Solution Sheet
Download Solution Sheet (PDF)

Image credit: Shutterstock & Noun Project

MARKET OPPORTUNITY
While in intensive care, patients may be bedridden for prolonged periods of time. Immobilization might last for weeks and could create a cascade of consequences that last for months or even years. Up to 25% of ICU survivors develop physical symptoms associated with PICS.

With a minimum of five to ten minutes of treatment per day, the Therapeutic Vibration Device can improve the outcome of ICU patients, shorten the average length-of-stay, and prevent the need for additional therapy following post-ICU syndrome.

The Therapeutic Vibration Device is currently available for licensing. Please contact the Licensing Manager, Jeremy Nelson, for more information.

Funding History

$195,000 in non-dilutive funding

  • 2017 Coulter $135,000

  • 2019 MCubed Funding $60,000

Completed Milestones:

  • Clinical studies on healthy volunteers completed demonstrating vibration results in increase muscle activation, tissue oxygenation, and energy expenditure.


Funding Organizations

Publications

IEEE Access, 2020