710106Project to prove the concept of a novel type of neuromuscular stimulation to improve recovery from muscle fatigue and injuries in elite sports athletes.ClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKLower limb injuries to elite sports athletes are common and have significant competitive and financial implications to the athlete and team. Depending on the type and severity, athletes will probably undergo a period of immobilisation, the physiological consequences of which are significant. Muscle strength can decrease by approximately 10% in only 14 days. There is also a decline in blood flow following immobilisation. Muscle can recover rapidly in a subsequent period of retraining with muscle strength returning to initial values along with improved blood flow. Although rehabilitation is a critical component of the recovery period it is complex and specific to the type of injury. Firstkind has developed and currently supplies, a portable, disposable, neuromuscular stimulation device based on its proprietary OnPulse technology platform. The device gently stimulates critical parts of the nervous system in the leg and causes calf muscle contraction increasing the flow and volume of blood moved in all parts of the body by a considerable amount. Preliminary data shows that this technology can be effective in the treatment of a number of medical conditions including: deep vein thrombosis and urinary and faecal incontinence and osteoporosis. It is proposed that by improving, or at least preventing, the decline in muscle and vascular function during the immobilised period will enhance the rehabilitation process and allow the athlete to return to training and competition earlier and in a better condition. Anecdotal evidence from trials conducted, in elite athletes and teams including England Rugby Union, premiership football and professional golf is very positive. However, to allow the company to enter a market that is estimated to be over $1billion in the US and EU alone, empirical evidence substantiating the claims of the device performance is essential. This project is designed to provide this evidence and prove the concept of enhanced sport injury recovery.