Roam Robotics Tests Robotic Knee Brace
Roam Robotics is partnering with the VA Health Care System in San Francisco and the Northern California Institute for Research and Education to study the effects of the robotic knee brace Ascend on veterans.
Ascend is designed to help anyone with knee pain, especially those struggling with osteoarthritis while performing everyday tasks such as walking, climbing stairs or standing up. The brace is made from inexpensive, lightweight materials, which makes it easier to use and more affordable.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative disease that usually affects the knee joint. Current non-surgical treatments have low effectiveness, and many people with osteoarthritis are not candidates for surgery. As a result, there is a significant need for effective non-surgical treatments.
Surgical treatment involves a procedure called tibial osteotomy and knee replacement, which can be partial or total. Most experts recommend considering surgery only as a last resort, after all other options have been exhausted, due to high costs and associated risks, especially in revision surgery to replace old or damaged implants.
“I am pleased to evaluate the effectiveness of the Ascend braces from Roam Robotics in veterans with knee osteoarthritis who experience severe knee pain when performing everyday activities. Veterans suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, such as knee arthritis, more often than the general population. We do not have suitable treatment options for many of these patients, especially for patients with moderate disease. The Ascend brace can significantly reduce pain, improve stability and functionality”
The brace provides support for extension and flexion movements using a pneumatic actuator. The knee brace is controlled by the SmartPack, which the user wears. The SmartPack manages both the pneumatic and electrical power of the device and the microcontroller that controls the system.
In fact, the brace can "unload" the knee, reducing the load on the area affected by osteoarthritis. As a result, the appropriate offloading brace can potentially allow the patient to move and walk with significantly less pain.
A clinical study found that the Ascend robotic knee brace reduced pain in 46% of participants and improved functionality in 67% of participants. The results of this study strongly suggest that Ascend is a safe and effective non-invasive treatment for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis, and a viable alternative to costly, higher-risk surgery.
In addition, study participants reported increased confidence, stability and the ability to perform daily activities without assistive devices while wearing the device.
“Previously, Roam technology was shown to benefit a wide range of patients suffering from knee pain, quadriceps weakness or instability. We are very pleased with this partnership with the VA Health Care System in San Francisco. It may further confirm the potential impact of Roam technology on addressing the large and growing challenge for veterans”
Ascend advantages:
- FDA registered (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) with clinically proven results, patented pneumatic (air) technology, three-year warranty.
- Comfortable and lightweight: designed specifically for human autonomy, precisely aligns the knees for stability, the lightweight design is built for everyday use.
- Smart and responsive: intuitively senses and allows movement, supports knee extension, provides resistance during flexion.
- Personalized experience: real-time adjustment of support levels, activates when needed, the app offers personalized mobility information.
Roam Robotics was founded in 2013 by Dr. Tim Swift. The company introduced Ascend in April 2021. Ascend is Roam Robotics' first commercial product. Previously, the company worked with the U.S. military on Forge, an exoskeleton used to increase soldiers' endurance, speed and strength. Roam Robotics is also developing a robotic ski exoskeleton called Elevate.
The company's first customers have already shared their experiences living with the Roam brace:
- "The level of confidence Ascend gives you is without a doubt the greatest feeling! It's simply amazing! Life is changing!".
- "Now that I have this, I can really plan vacations and adventures with my wife. There are things she wants to see, places we want to visit!".
- "Mobility is the key to health. If a patient can move, it means they can exercise, and if they can exercise, we know it significantly improves their overall health and longevity."
You can now pre-order Ascend, but the product is expected to be available to buyers in July 2022.
