Public Funding for Morow Limited

In the UK 150,000 people every year suffer a stroke 5,000 of those die as a result of their stroke 5,000 will suffer permanent disabilities The rehabilitation of stroke survivors across the world is a growing challenge. The financial impact of stroke in the UK alone costs around 4% of the total NHS budget. Despite improvements in high blood pressure control and a reduction in smoking it is estimated that the total number of strokes will continue to increase year on year due to the ageing population. Morow – standing for Motorised Rehabilitation of Walking - is a smart, electro-mechanical device and aids stroke rehabilitation. It allows those suffering the results of a stroke to practise walking at an earlier stage of recovery than previously possible. Patients can take their weight through their legs without the physical support of several healthcare professionals. The device works with patients as an aid to walking and also in the area of sit-to-stand where many have difficulties following a stroke. No other device currently on the market considers the full process of sit-to-stand, walking and stand-to-sit following natural movement. Morow does. The device has had great support and input from academics, healthcare professionals and patient groups. To date an initial prototype has been produced and has undergone an extensive design development and review in consultation with survivors of stroke, carers and clinicians resulting in a log of actions required to complete the device and provide a fully functional prototype. In the short term the biggest area of work is the electronics system and a requirement for a user friendly interface. The prototype system produced so far has been successful in proving the concept but is not felt to be sufficient going forward. The priority now for Morow is to produce a fully functional device and with comparative clinical trials to enable the product to come to market within a 2 year timescale.