June 26, 2023
Menlo Park, CA – June 26, 2023, Sparta Science, the developer of a machine learning-based Movement Health platform, was recently awarded an AFWERX Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract by the United States Air Force (USAF) to develop AI/ML software that enables women to optimize their postpartum return to physical readiness through individualized, self-adapting fitness programs while enabling Human Performance (HP) subject matter experts (SMEs) to focus time and effort where it is needed most.
According to the Air Force Women's Initiatives Team (WIT), in 2022, a significant obstacle for female service members continues to be the lack of a structured postpartum recovery plan. 44% of women cite a lack of information about postpartum exercise as a reason for not returning to activity, while 73% cite a lack of support.
"Female service members are required to meet deadlines for postpartum fitness requirements, but postpartum requires different tools and processes than other return to fitness cohorts such as MSKI rehabilitation," said Dr. Phil Wagner, CEO and Founder of Sparta Science. "This project will explore R&D partnerships with the Air Force to develop an accessible tool that will support female service members during their postpartum journeys, enabling them to restore their physical function and return to readiness at a time when retention is of the utmost importance."
Sparta Science is collaborating with the Department of Defense on multiple SBIR Phase I and Phase II projects to improve warfighter readiness by utilizing Sparta Science's Movement Health Platform in various use cases. These initiatives will explore opportunities to enhance clinicians' and practitioners' abilities to deliver effective movement health guidance at a scale relevant to the USAF.
Each Airman's postpartum experience and return to readiness is unique, and human performance SMEs are challenged by time and distance to support postpartum Airmen while on leave. This project aims to ease the burden of postpartum for Airmen by providing a capability that expands HP SMEs' reach to enable an individualized approach to supporting postpartum Airmen in their return to duty and fitness.
About AFWERX
AFWERX, a program office at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), connects innovators across government, industry and academia. Through innovation and collaboration with our nation’s top subject-matter experts and harnessing the power of ingenuity of internal talent, by expanding technology, talent, and transition partnerships for rapid and affordable commercial and military capability.
