I-Corps: Translation Potential of an Objective and Customizable Concussion Assessment and Rehabilitation Tool for Specialized Populations

Overview: An estimated 1.7 - 3.8 million concussions occur in the United States annually (CDC). Equestrian (horse-related activities) sports have higher rates of concussion and acute injury when compared to football, skiing, rugby, and motorcycle riding (Ball, 2007; Ackery et al., 2007; Sorli, 2000; Winkler, 2016; Mutore, 2021). Discovery interviews conducted by our team in the spring of 2023 concluded that pain points of concussion and concussion assessments in equestrian sports include a lack of accessibility and sport-specificity and concern with the subjectivity of current field protocols such as the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). In addition to those pain points, specifically in the Thoroughbred racing industry, there was a concern about language barriers with the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT-5). Wearable and interactive technology provides valuable and reliable ways to measure data in the field that was previously only accessible in lab and clinical spaces. Our technology, The Graham, uses such technology to provide an objective, portable, customizable, self-activation concussion assessment, and rehabilitation tool in any location. Thus, key words for this technology include concussion, self-activation, portable application, sport and occupation. Our discovery interviews support the market need, opportunity, and first adopters of The Graham in the Thoroughbred Racing industry. Leveraging the resources provided through the National I- Corps funding and workshop attendance, our team has three objectives to improve our go-to- market plan. These objectives are to 1) assess the desirability of a subscription model and prices for our technology on individual and organizational levels, 2) evaluate the likeliness of equestrian organization bodies providing subscription access to their members, and 3) to evaluate the desirability of future models in other underserved populations regarding field concussion assessment, such as cycling and snow sports. The I-Corps proposal funding would assist our team in conducting a diverse range of customer discovery to address these three aims. Our discovery interviews will focus on three sectors, including Thoroughbred industry professionals and athletes in various regions across the country, equestrian organizations at adult and youth levels, and other non-equestrian sporting associations to which future target markets could expand. These three sectors and our aims will progress The Graham team to the ideal position to launch a small business following the completion of National I-Corps.