For Dr. Brad Profitt, associate professor in the Marshall University School of Physical Therapy, innovation is born from experience. After suffering a knee injury himself, he realized firsthand the challenges patients face during rehabilitation.
“I had an unfortunate opportunity to blow out my knee when I was mountain biking, which resulted in a [surgical] procedure,” Profitt explained. “From there, I went into rehab. And, of course, I’m a physical therapist so I understand the PT (physical therapy) process pretty well. But what I got from that experience was the unique perspective of the patient. And so, I began to think there’s got to be an easier way for me as a patient to control this, have a little bit more autonomy, and support what my therapist has given me while I’m here.”
As a physical therapist, educator and entrepreneur, Profitt was determined to find a better way to help individuals regain mobility—leading him to develop a device that could improve recovery outcomes for countless patients.
Profitt’s knee extender device is designed to enhance knee rehabilitation by providing controlled movement, support and comfort throughout the patient’s recovery. Unlike traditional methods, the device allows greater precision and customization, thus helping patients restore mobility more efficiently and with less pain. Profitt envisioned a tool that would not only assist in healing but also increase patient confidence and adherence to therapy – a key component of successful rehabilitation.
“In the recovery process, there is a time when your therapist puts you in front of a box and says to jump up there. You mentally have to work through this hurdle; there’s a certain amount of fear that comes from the recovery process,” Profitt explained. “The earlier we can help this individual gain that confidence, get that range of motion, the more likely we might be to help reduce some of those other components of recovery. A physical component of range of motion is easy, we can measure it. But there’s these other components of recovery.” The other components are what Profitt aimed to tackle with his inventive device.
However, bringing an invention from concept to reality requires time, resources and a strong support system. Profitt knew that refining his idea into a fully functional, market-ready product would require prototyping, testing and significant financial backing. That’s why he turned to Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) for guidance and assistance. Through the center’s Early-Stage Funding Opportunity initiative, Profitt was able to access design engineering, prototyping and fabrication support to develop a high-quality, working prototype of his knee extender device. Taking full advantage of MAMC’s expertise in computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing and advanced manufacturing techniques, he was able to test and refine his product with precision, ensuring it met the needs of both patients and healthcare professionals.
The journey didn’t stop at prototyping. Profitt knew that to bring his device to market, he would need funding and exposure. He pursued grants and other funding opportunities, earning a spot in LaunchIt, an effort through the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps program at the University of Louisville in partnership with the Southeast XLerator Network. The groups’ missions are designed to help entrepreneurs develop products and navigate the complexities of bringing inventions to market. His work in the program allowed him to refine his business strategy, market analysis and commercialization plan, making him better equipped to seek investors and manufacturing partners.
Now, with a refined prototype and clear business strategy, Profitt is focused on testing the device in clinical settings, gathering feedback and preparing for large-scale production. His goal is to partner with medical professionals and rehabilitation centers to introduce the device to patients recovering from knee injuries and surgeries. Profitt also is discussing future opportunities for his device development with Intermed Labs under its partnership with Marshall University.
“Having an idea is one thing, but being able to turn it into a real product is a whole different challenge,” Profitt said. “The resources and expertise at MAMC have been invaluable in helping me bridge that gap. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today in this process.”
Profitt’s journey highlights the power of innovation, determination and collaboration, proving that big ideas can become reality with the right support. As he continues working toward full-scale production and commercialization, MAMC remains committed to helping entrepreneurs like him bring groundbreaking concepts to life.
With entrepreneurs like Profitt leading the way, MAMC continues to serve as a launch-pad for West Virginia innovators, turning visionary ideas into real-world solutions that improve lives and industries alike.
May 20, 2025
