For Release: December 18, 1996

Kathryn Cataldo
Office of Media Services
(205) 544-2188
Pager: (205) 544-1183 (PIN) 0542

NOTE TO ASSIGNMENT EDITORS AND PRODUCERS: 96-191

SATELLITE INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE ON HOW KNEE INJURY AND STROKE VICTIMS MAY BENEFIT FROM NASA TECHNOLOGY

Helping knee injury patients and stroke victims walk better and recover faster was the inspiration behind the NASA invention of a lockable knee brace now undergoing field testing.

Satellite interviews are available with NASA manager Harry Craft to talk about the knee brace, its applications and how NASA transfers technology to private industry. Interviews will take place on Friday, Dec. 20 between 5 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. CST. B-roll of the knee brace will be provided.

The device is revolutionary because it allows patients to walk with a more natural, stabilized gait by allowing the knee to bend. Knee braces currently on the market lock the knee in a rigid, straight-leg position. An orthotics company in Little Rock, Arkansas is now testing the knee brace.

One of NASA’s goals is to transfer and apply space technology to improve quality of life here on Earth. The lockable knee brace is a product of one such transfer of technology.

To request a satellite interview or further information, please call Kathryn Cataldo at 205-544-2188. Interviews will be conducted on NASA TV, located on C-band, Spacenet 2, Transponder 5, at 69 degrees west longitude. The transponder frequency is 3880 MHz and the audio subcarrier is 6.8 Mhz.