I-Corps: Making Loads Lighter: A Handle Suspension for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injury

Purdue University, West Lafayette IN

Investigators

Abstract

Millions of people around the world carry heavy loads, causing significant stress to their bodies. This can lead to musculoskeletal injury, which is the second most common reason for seeing a doctor in the United States. Based on previous NSF-funded research on load carrying during locomotion, the team has developed a proof-of-concept handle suspension technology for carrying loads that significantly reduce the likelihood of injury. With this I-Corps support, the team will investigate the commercial potential of the proposed effort. Musculoskeletal injuries are common and cost over $850 billion/year in the United States alone. If successfully commercialized, it is believed that the proposed innovation has the potential to address this significant market opportunity.