Leader in unique, affordable technologies for individuals suffering from impaired mobility and function releases a virtual ADL system to maximize therapy outcomes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 12, 2017

CHARLOTTE, N.C. –  Saebo, Inc. announced on Wednesday that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared SaeboVR, a virtual ADL (activities of daily living) rehabilitation system designed to engage neurological clients in both physical and cognitive challenges involving simulated functional tasks. This first-of-its-kind software system is grounded in National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored research demonstrating the efficacy of virtual ADL practice for upper extremity rehabilitation.

SaeboVR‘s ADL-focused virtual world provides clients with real-life challenges. Users will incorporate their impaired upper limb to perform simulated self-care tasks that involve picking up, transferring and manipulating virtual objects. The proprietary platform recreates real, everyday life experiences including, but not limited to, grocery shopping, making breakfast, taking care of a pet, or planting a virtual garden.  In addition to interacting with meaningful self-care tasks, SaeboVR uses a virtual assistant that appears on the screen to educate and facilitate performance by providing real-time feedback. As an added benefit, SaeboVR can be customized to challenge endurance, speed, range of motion, coordination, timing, and cognitive demand, thereby ensuring maximum success. After each session, SaeboVR displays graphical reports for easy viewing.

“As an occupational therapist working with individuals with neurological diagnoses, I want to provide realistic and meaningful activities that also offer many repetitions of movements to promote neuroplasticity,” stated Allison Ellington, OTD, OTR/L. “SaeboVR is a motivating, engaging, and occupation-based product that allows for customizable and safe practice of activities that are meaningful to clients.  Individuals who have used this system tell me they notice improvements in how they are able to use their impaired arm more functionally, which is so important.”

This great excitement for SaeboVR is fueled by years of clinical research, as well. “Barron Associates, Inc. is excited to partner with Saebo in making virtual ADL practice a reality for patients and therapists,” said Richard Adams, Ph.D. “The release of SaeboVR culminates five years of NIH-sponsored R&D and successful clinical trials that have provided a solid body of evidence for the efficacy of simulated ADLs in improving upper extremity motor function in individuals with acquired brain injury.”

Saebo’s Co-Founder, Henry Hoffman, notes that the SaeboVR is opening new opportunities for clinicians and patients alike. “As the world’s only provider of a virtual reality system solely focused on simulated self-care tasks, SaeboVR opens new possibilities for clinicians and patients,” he noted. “Prior to this break-through technology, motion capture programs were primarily focused on games rather than real-life functional tasks. Although computer-based exercises can be beneficial, often times, therapists report that games are not always appropriate for a certain patient population or lack significance to maintain a client’s motivation and engagement. Thankfully, SaeboVR fills the void by not only being meaningful and relevant, but truly functional and appropriate for all ages.” 

ABOUT SAEBO

Saebo, Inc. is a medical device company primarily engaged in the discovery, development, and commercialization of affordable and novel clinical solutions designed to improve mobility and function in individuals suffering from neurological and orthopedic conditions. With a vast network of Saebo-trained clinicians spanning six continents, Saebo has helped over 250,000 clients around the globe achieve a new level of independence.

ABOUT BARRON ASSOCIATES

Barron Associates, Inc., Charlottesville, VA, is a research and development firm dedicated to developing novel solutions to demanding challenges in the healthcare and aerospace sectors. The company is an award-winning leader in the development of virtual world-based games for healthcare applications.  For more information about Barron Associates, please visit: www.barron-associates.com.

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