The US Air Force has awarded machine learning-based health developer Sparta Science a small business innovation research contract to identify early signs of sub-concussive brain injury in airmen.
Data gathered from the research will assist experts in developing a capability to recognize the impacts of repeated exposures to subconcussive blasts.
Cumulative Sub-Concussive Brain Injury in the USAF
According to Sparta, results of the program will determine plans to reduce the long-term effects of injury and lessen lost duty days due to related health issues.
“Research shows up to 57 percent of mild traumatic brain injuries are unreported, undiagnosed, and untreated, partly due to an often sub-concussive nature,” Sparta Science CEO and Founder Dr. Phil Wagner explained.
“Airmen and healthcare providers will benefit from Sparta Science’s development of data-driven decision-assist information using force plates to measure individuals’ balance and rapidly identify cumulative subconcussive brain injury and ensure early intervention occurs.”
Effective Health Capabilities for Airmen
Alongside the brain injury study, the company is engaged in other small business innovation research agreements with the US Department of Defense to develop movement health intelligence platforms exclusively for the air force.
“These initiatives will explore opportunities to enhance clinicians’ and practitioners’ abilities to deliver effective movement health guidance at a scale relevant to the USAF,” a statement from Sparta said.