Kessler partners with BrainQ for a nationwide trial of an innovative approach to stroke rehabilitation

Eastern Hanover, NJ. November 18, 2022. Researchers from the Kessler Foundation and the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation (collectively “Kessler”) are recruiting participants for a nationwide trial of a breakthrough device to improve recovery after stroke. Kessler sites in West Orange and Saddle Brook, NJ, are among 20 sites across the United States participating in the EMAGINE Stroke Recovery trial, which combines therapeutic exercise with brain stimulation through an experimental wearable device . Steven Kirshblum, MD, is the principal investigator and Ghaith Androwis, PhD, is the co-principal investigator of the Kessler study.

Each year, strokes affect nearly 800,000 people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Given the general impact that stroke has on individuals, families and caregivers, as well as on health services and our economy, the benefits of improving stroke rehabilitation outcomes are substantial. “, noted Steven Kirshblum, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Kessler. Kessler Foundation and Institute for Rehabilitation. Dr. Kirshblum is also chairman of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

“Too often, stroke results in long-term disability that negatively affects quality of life,” Dr. Kirshblum continued. “We now know that with early and intensive intervention, stroke survivors have the ability to regain function. The EMAGINE trial capitalizes on this neuroplasticity of the brain and spinal cord by augmenting standard rehabilitation with electromagnetic stimulation and making the therapy available in different settings, including at home,” he explained.

Each site plans to enroll people within four to 21 days of moderate to severe ischemic stroke. At Kessler, three participants to date have been enrolled in the study, which is randomized, simulation-controlled and double-blind, according to Dr. Androwis, principal investigator at the Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center of the Kessler Foundation and director of the Center’s Robotics and Rehabilitation Research Laboratory.

The first participant completed the nine-week protocol, which includes 45 one-hour sessions administered five times per week. During each session, the participant performs therapeutic exercises while wearing the device, which fits over their head and torso without interrupting the participant’s ability to perform functional tasks with their upper limbs.

“Given the promising results of our already completed BrainQ trial in people with chronic spinal cord injury, we are excited to investigate the potential benefits of this non-invasive brain and spine stimulation intervention in people disabled by stroke,” said Dr. Androwis.

Using machine learning, the BQ device targets affected areas of the brain with electromagnetic field therapy. The therapy, which is low intensity and regulated frequency, is administered with the current standard of physiotherapy and occupational therapy, with the aim of facilitating neurological recovery. Preliminary results were promising, prompting the FDA to award Breakthrough Device designation to BrainQdevice in 2021.

BrainQ’s developers see the device’s potential for a flexible therapy continuum, from acute care to rehabilitation and post-discharge for home use. “Being able to stay engaged in therapy throughout the recovery process is a unique aspect of the EMAGINE study,”

pointed out Dr. Androwis. “Participants can access this experimental therapy from home, under the supervision of a trained caregiver and remote monitoring by a member of the study team.”

“We are thrilled to have true leaders in rehabilitation research and clinical care, including the Kessler Foundation and the Kessler Institute, as our partners in the EMAGINE trial,” said Yotam Drechsler, CEO of BrainQ. “Together, we are striving to achieve our common goal: to transform the future of stroke rehabilitation by restoring lost mobility through innovative technology applied to home solutions.”

Eligible participants are recruited from the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, a Select Medical inpatient rehabilitation hospital that provides rehabilitative care for stroke and other disabling conditions. The Kessler study team assesses the eligibility of patients hospitalized for stroke rehabilitation.

The study is funded by BrainQ, developer of the experimental device.

For more information, visit the EMAGINE website.

About the Kessler Foundation

The Kessler Foundation, a leading disability nonprofit, is a world leader in rehabilitation research that aims to improve cognition, mobility and long-term outcomes – including employment – for people with disabilities. people with neurological disorders caused by diseases and brain damage. and the spinal cord. The Kessler Foundation is the national leader in funding innovative programs that expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities. For more information, visit KesslerFoundation.org.

About Select Medical

Select Medical is one of the largest operators of critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States by number of facilities . As of September 30, 2022, Select Medical operated 105 critical illness recovery hospitals in 28 states, 31 rehabilitation hospitals in 12 states, and 1,933 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Concentra operated 519 occupational health centers in 41 states. As of September 30, 2022, Select Medical had a presence in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Information about Select Medical is available at www.selectmedical.com.

About BrainQ

BrainQ, sponsor of the EMAGINE Stroke Recovery Trial, is a US and Israel-based company pioneering a new therapy to reduce disability and maximize recovery potential after stroke and other neurological conditions. disabling. Their investigational device has received FDA Breakthrough Device designation. Their mission is to restore the independence of millions of people with disabilities around the world through accessible home solutions.

Worldwide, BrainQ technology is limited to experimental use only and is not approved or available for sale. BrainQ makes no guarantees regarding the results of clinical trials or regulatory approval of its technology.

Media Contacts

Kesler Foundation: Carolann Murphy, PA, cmurphy@Kesslerfoundation.org Where Deb Hauss, DHauss@KesslerFoundation.org

Select Medical: Shelly Eckenroth, seckenroth@selectmedical.com

BrainQ: Madeleine Truitt, BrainQ

madeleine.truitt@brainqtech.com

Chart:

Title: Demonstration of use of BrainQ’s BQ device

Caption: A treatment session showing a research participant wearing the BQ device while a caregiver assists him with therapeutic exercises for his right arm.