Thera Logics develops BraceX, an actuated knee brace that enables patients to perform lengthened-state eccentric exercises at home while their physical therapist monitors progress remotely. The device addresses the high re-injury rates of ACL and hamstring injuries by providing a home-focused solution that can produce the overloading force required for effective eccentric training, replacing costly clinic-based isokinetic systems.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
One in three ACL sprains or hamstring strains results in re-injury, and current methods for completing eccentric exercises—the most effective type for building strength and preventing injury—are either inaccessible or ineffective. Isokinetic systems cost $40,000 to $60,000 and require significant clinic space, while non-equipment methods only reduce hamstring injury by 51% and often require a partner, with physical therapists unable to confirm patients are performing exercises correctly at home.
Solution
BraceX is an actuated knee brace that enables eccentric exercises to be performed anywhere, bringing lengthened-state eccentric exercise programs into the patient's home. The device produces the overloading force required to support eccentric contractions, which has demonstrated a 0% hamstring re-injury rate at a 2-year follow-up when performed correctly. Physical therapists can remotely monitor patient progress and adherence, improving communication and enabling billing for Remote Therapeutic Monitoring. The system increases clinic capacity by allowing therapists to perform higher-skilled services during in-clinic visits while patients complete their exercise programs at home with confidence and accuracy.
Target Audience
Primary customers are physical therapists and rehabilitation clinics seeking to improve patient engagement, reduce drop-offs, and expand capacity through remote monitoring, as well as patients recovering from ACL sprains, hamstring strains, or preparing for knee replacement surgery.
Features
- Actuated knee brace that generates overloading force for eccentric exercises without requiring bulky, expensive clinic equipment
- Remote therapeutic monitoring capabilities that let physical therapists track patient progress and exercise accuracy from their clinic
- Lengthened-state eccentric exercise programming designed to reduce re-injury risk, with clinical evidence showing 0% hamstring re-injury at 2-year follow-up
- Home-based design that eliminates the need for patients to travel to clinics for isokinetic exercise sessions
- Data collection and reporting features that improve plan of care decisions and help patients meet strength criteria for return to sport