Cadence Biomedical Launches Kickstart Kinetic Orthosis

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cadence Biomedical, a developer of medical devices that help people with severe disabilities walk, today announced the launch and commercial availability of its first product, the Kickstart™ Kinetic Orthosis. Kickstart is a revolutionary wearable device that can help individuals with weakened muscles or disabilities regain mobility and independence. Following a pilot program that was well received by physical therapists, orthotists, and users, Kickstart is now available commercially in the United States.

“Neurological injuries such as stroke and spinal cord injury often result in severe weakness to the muscles of the leg, which are critical for mobility”

“More than two million Americans suffer from severe mobility impairment, and many are underserved by current mobility assistance devices,” said Brian Glaister, president and chief executive officer of Cadence Biomedical. “Kickstart represents an elegant and effective alternative to existing leg braces, which are limited and inflexible, and to robotic devices, which are cumbersome and impractical for daily life. The response from Kickstart early adopter users and clinicians has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are excited to now bring Kickstart to an even wider audience.”

Kickstart uniquely stores and releases a user’s own energy to provide walking assistance, improve stability, and enhance physical therapy for those recovering from strokes, partial spinal cord injuries, and other conditions that affect mobility. Unlike robotic devices, there are no batteries, motors, or noises associated with its use. Kickstart was inspired by the anatomy of horses, whose long tendons span multiple joints and allow for highly efficient walking and running.

“Neurological injuries such as stroke and spinal cord injury often result in severe weakness to the muscles of the leg, which are critical for mobility,” said Jim Lynskey, PT, Ph.D., associate professor at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona, and an expert on physical therapy and neurological impairment. “Kickstart is unique in its ability to assist the hip flexors, the set of muscles that work together to lift the leg and swing through to complete a step. Few mobility impairment aids support and assist this process specifically, which means Kickstart could be an important addition to the physical therapist and fellow providers’ toolset.”

Kickstart is designed to bring new levels of function for those who have plateaued in therapy, and also open new opportunities for supporting recovery and an enhanced quality of life. A growing body of clinical data speaks to its benefits, including case studies presented at this year’s annual meetings of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP) and the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA), in which Kickstart users were able to walk considerably farther and faster while using the device. Cadence is conducting clinical studies aimed at further quantifying Kickstart’s benefits with partner academic institutions and expects to begin reporting data in 2013.

“Incorporating Kickstart into my practice was a straightforward and simple process, and patients and their supporting family members alike have provided positive feedback on their experiences,” said John Shaffer, LPO, CPO, Partner at American Artificial Limb Co. in Seattle, Washington, an early provider of the device. “From my perspective, the device addresses an unmet need and will be a welcome addition to my practice.”

Kickstart is specifically intended for individuals with lower extremity weakness – particularly in the hip flexors and ankle plantarflexors – and poor endurance, secondary to neurological injury or disease such as stroke, incomplete spinal cord injury, ALS, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis. The device is worn over clothing, and unilateral and bilateral configurations are available. Kickstart is prescribed by a physician and custom-fit by an orthotist. Clinicians interested in learning more about Kickstart can contact the Cadence team by phone at (206) 659-0614 or via online form.

About Cadence Biomedical

Cadence Biomedical, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is a medical device company that is committed to helping the 2.3 million Americans who suffer severe mobility impairments to gain a more mobile and independent life. Cadence develops and markets the Kickstart, first in a new class of Kinetic Orthosis devices, which provides stability and movement assistance to weakened muscles without the use of powered mechanisms. For more information, please visit www.cadencebiomedical.com, www.twitter.com/cadencebio, and www.facebook.com/cadencebio.