With a chunk of change—about $625, 000 in federal and state grants—a NASA related industry is funding ZetrOZ, Inc.’s work in sustained acoustic medicine (SAM) ultrasound technology. ZetrOZ is developing wearable sustained acoustic medicine devices that can be self-applied, are non-invasive, and can treat lower back pain and pain caused by herniated spinal discs—particularly those in the backs of astronauts.
One of the funders is the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) which works with NASA to develop and mature novel medical technologies that will benefit the health of crew members in space. It is presumed that whatever is developed for space with also benefit the residents of earth.
The principal aim of the study is to find a way to deal with the pain experienced by astronauts as their spines elongate up to two inches while they are in the microgravity of space. According to the press release, the ZetrOZ technology platform makes possible the delivery of therapeutic ultrasound treatment to astronauts’ backs to modulate pain and inflammation in tissue for up to four hours daily. Questions remain on the optimum frequency of the therapy and size of the treatment dose before it could be used by astronauts while on space-flights.
“Ultrasound is a great platform for spaceflight, delivering both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities” said Dorit Donoviel, Ph.D., NSBRI’s deputy chief scientist and industry forum lead. “I envision that astronauts could use SAM to accelerate the healing of musculoskeletal injuries in the lower back and shoulders both in space and on earth during training. We are excited to facilitate the clinical validation study with SAM to treat lower back pain.”
George K. Lewis, Jr., Ph.D., company co-founder, chief scientific & technology officer and principal investigator for the grant adds: “Our OZ Inside highly efficient, lightweight and miniaturized ultrasound technology platform is a perfect fit for space flight and long range NASA missions since it can be powered from low voltage battery packs and easily recharged from solar cells.’”
Lewis adds that ZetrOZ demonstrates that sustained acoustic medicine is an effective non-pharmaceutical approach for treating pain symptoms such as knee arthritis and upper back pain. He believes that the company is in a great position to develop a wearable SAM solution for lower back pain.
“ZetrOZ continues to be on the cutting edge of wearable technology and pain therapy, ” said David Wurzer, executive vice president.” We are gratified to be part of this latest innovative study to hopefully improve the lives of our nation’s astronauts and work on development of other helpful new technologies as well.”
