ARYSE, a Lincoln-based company that designs exo-performance products, has been awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) through the AFWERX Innovation Program. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the SBIR process in an attempt to speed up the
experience, broaden the pool of potential applicants, and decrease bureaucratic overhead. The Air Force has begun offering SBIR topics that are faster, leaner, and open to a broader range of innovations.
ARYSE is working to fundamentally change how the tactical athlete is protected by designing exo-performance products inspired by human anatomy which work to strengthen and support the body’s dynamic movements and achieve optimal performance.
The Phase I award will allow ARYSE to further develop a line of exo-performance ankle products that provide pre- and postinjury protection to the U.S. Armed Forces.
Ankle injuries are the most common type of lower extremity injury sustained in the military, resulting in 25 million limited duty days and costing the Military Health System $548 million dollars annually1. ARYSE sees this as an opportunity to transform the treatment of recurring ankle injuries. Using anatomy-inspired technology, ARYSE’s exo-performance products are able to strengthen and support the body, which allows the warfighter to return to duty faster, ultimately increasing overall military readiness. These products will be available to be purchased off the shelf or designed custom with STRATUSFORM® scanning technology.
The IFAST® is a pre- and post-injury ankle protection device which aims to increase military readiness by reducing the number of ankle injuries that occur. Designed to mimic the construction of the body, the neoprene sleeve acts as the skin, providing compression, the polyurethane frame acts as the bones providing structural support, and the tension system acts as the body’s ligament system providing a gradual increase in tension as the ankle approaches the average point where ankle sprains occurs.
When worn pre-injury, the IFAST allows the operator to continue to perform unrestricted, allowing for optimal performance. In the event of an injury, the IFAST provides an injured ankle with the customized support by increasing the support level of the tension system. The IFAST can be easily used in a variety of theaters, including rough, uneven or mountainous terrain, where advanced technologies and specialized providers are not available. The IFAST’s low profile design allows it to fit well inside of a shoe or boot.
The ARYSE exo-perofrmance products incorporate functional stability, which mimics the natural movement of the body and provides protection at the joint’s end range of motion without limiting performance. The IFAST has been used by teams in the
National Football League, Major League Lacrosse, and the NCAA, as well as by athletic trainers, orthopedic surgeons, and various other athletes. ARYSE is excited to pursue this partnership with the U.S. Air Force to improve protection of our warfighters and contribute to mission performance. ARYSE is moving to fundamentally change how the active body is protected by designing exo-performance products inspired by anatomy to strengthen and support its dynamic movements and achieve its best results.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Erin Dutter at erin.dutter@aryse.com.
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