Development of a prototype lower limb active compression device

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This proposal is aimed to support a collaborative research initiative between the applicants at the University of Waterloo and Lockheed Martin Canada (LMC). The main goal of this work is to develop a prototype external active compression device with military and medical applications. For the military, the device aims to reduce fatigue and improve recovery time of active soldiers, while medical applications include treatment and prevention of venous insufficiency disorders. The latter is a concern for military personnel subjected to long bouts of immobility, such as drone pilots. The proposed compression system is based upon a novel "smart" compression protocol developed by the applicants that shows considerable physiological benefits to the blood circulation in the legs upon application; increased blood flow in the extremities dramatically reduces the risk of venous disorders while also flushing out waste products to reduce fatigue and improve recovery time from exercise. For both the military and medical applications, the primary remaining research challenge is the development of a working prototype for ambulatory users. The current laboratory system consists of pneumatic compression cuffs and a series of laboratory-grade wired physiological instruments, which tethers the user to the wall. Transitioning to a wireless, ambulatory prototype requires: exploration and characterization of wireless biometric sensors (data rate, signal-to-noise, etc.), design of an in situ pressure measurement system for monitoring compression levels in real time, development of a robust closed-loop compression control strategy using the new biometric sensing platform, and development and validation of novel actuation strategies for applying the external compression. During the course of the proposed work, a LMC backed start-up company will be founded in Canada to commercialize the developed product. This company will serve as a technology supplier to LMC for the military market, while also advancing a product to the medical market.**