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The Scientific Question
Can externally applied rhythmic multi-axis motion produce measurable changes in physiological, autonomic, and vestibular markers?
CURRENT RESEARCH CAMPAIGN
Phase 1 Research Program
Funding Goal: $4.79M
CURRENT RESEARCH CAMPAIGN
Phase 1 Research Program
Funding Goal: $4.79M
Advancing the science of externally applied rhythmic motion
SeaKing Solace is developing a phased research program to investigate how controlled multi-axis motion may influence autonomic regulation and vestibular processing, and whether those findings can support development of a future clinical platform.
A Governed Research Program
From observation to a disciplined scientific pathway
SeaKing Solace is developing a phased research program with Thomas Jefferson University to move from real-world motion characterization to laboratory validation and, if supported by evidence, future clinical research and platform development.
The Phase 1 research scope is defined through a signed Statement of Work with Thomas Jefferson University, with Dr. David Whellan serving as Principal Investigator.
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The Current Program
Phase 1 is designed to characterize vessel motion and synchronized physiological responses in healthy adult participants.
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The Translation Pathway
If the findings support continued development, the resulting motion profiles and response data would inform simulator validation and later feasibility research.
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Research Governance
The program is being structured with Thomas Jefferson University under Principal Investigator Dr. David Whellan, including protocol development, research oversight, ethics review planning, data analysis, and future study design.
The Observation
It began with a moment on the water.
During time on a boat in 2021, we observed an unusually calm and regulated response in our 9-year-old son Parker. The change appeared to continue after the experience ended.
That observation did not establish efficacy or causation. It raised a question that could be investigated scientifically.
SeaKing Solace was formed to determine whether the relevant variable can be measured, characterized, reproduced, and, if supported by evidence, translated into a controlled research and future clinical environment.
The Measurement Framework
Turning motion into measurable biological data
Phase 1 is designed to characterize the motion experienced aboard the research vessel and examine synchronized physiological responses in healthy adult participants.
The objective is not to assume benefit, but to determine whether repeatable relationships can be identified between multi-axis motion and measurable biological signals.
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Motion Characterization
Six-degree-of-freedom sensing will characterize heave, pitch, roll, surge, sway, and yaw during on-water sessions.
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Physiological Monitoring
Heart rate and heart-rate variability will be synchronized with motion data to examine autonomic response patterns.
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Pupillary Response
Pupillometry is planned as an additional objective measure associated with autonomic and neurological response.
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Integrated Analysis
Time-aligned datasets will be analyzed to identify whether repeatable motion-response relationships are present.
Motion and physiological data are intended to be captured simultaneously so that biological responses can be evaluated in relation to the precise motion profile occurring at that time.
The Research Roadmap
A phased pathway from real-world motion to future clinical research
Each phase is intended to answer a distinct scientific and engineering question. Progression beyond Phase 1 would depend on the quality of the data, feasibility findings, available funding, and appropriate scientific and regulatory review.
Phase 1
On-Water Characterization
Current Funding Objective
Characterize vessel motion and synchronized physiological responses in healthy adult participants.
Phase 2
Simulator Validation
Planned Next Phase
Reproduce selected motion profiles in a controlled laboratory environment and evaluate whether comparable responses can be measured.
Phase 3
ASD and POTS Feasibility
Conditional Future Objective
If supported by earlier findings, evaluate safety, tolerability, feasibility, and preliminary response patterns in selected participant populations.
Phase 4
Closed-Loop Platform Development
Conditional Future Objective
Develop and evaluate an adaptive system capable of adjusting motion parameters in response to measured physiological signals.
Future
Controlled Clinical Studies
Long-Term Research Objective
Subject to evidence, feasibility, regulatory strategy, and funding, conduct controlled studies evaluating defined clinical applications.
The roadmap is intentionally stage-gated. Findings from each phase are intended to determine whether, and how, the program should proceed.
View the Research ProgramInstitutional Research Collaboration
Research structured with Thomas Jefferson University
SeaKing Solace has a signed Statement of Work with Thomas Jefferson University defining the Phase 1 research scope and institutional responsibilities.
Principal Investigator
David J. Whellan, MD, MHS
Director, Jefferson Clinical Research Institute
Dr. Whellan signed the Phase 1 Statement of Work and is identified as Principal Investigator for the planned research program.
Research Structure
Protocol Development
Development and refinement of the research protocol, participant procedures, measurement strategy, and analytical framework.
Research Governance
Institutional oversight of the research process, including ethics-review preparation and study-governance planning.
Data and Outcomes Analysis
Support for the planned analysis of synchronized motion, physiological, and participant-response data.
Future Study Planning
Scientific guidance for subsequent research phases if Phase 1 findings support continued development.
The signed Statement of Work establishes the planned Phase 1 research relationship. IRB approval, participant enrollment, and study activation have not yet occurred and remain dependent on funding and completion of the required institutional processes.
The Current Philanthropic Objective
Funding the Phase 1 research program
SeaKing Solace is seeking $4.79M in philanthropic support to fund the planned Phase 1 on-water research program, associated research infrastructure, and the operational capacity required to execute the study.
The purpose of this funding is to generate the foundational motion and physiological dataset needed to determine whether the program should advance to simulator validation and later research phases.
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Research Platform
Acquisition, preparation, operation, and research use of the sailing catamaran serving as the Phase 1 mobile data-collection platform.
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Research Execution
Participant sessions, study coordination, vessel operations, staffing, safety procedures, and site-based research logistics.
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Measurement Infrastructure
Motion sensing, physiological monitoring, pupillometry, synchronized data capture, storage, and analytical infrastructure.
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Institutional Research Support
Principal Investigator leadership, protocol development, institutional processes, data analysis, and scientific planning through the defined research relationship.
Phase 1 is intended to produce a characterized library of real-world motion profiles and synchronized physiological-response data. Those findings would be used to determine whether simulator replication and subsequent feasibility research are scientifically justified.
Conversations may include philanthropic gifts, program sponsorship, foundational support, and other mission-aligned funding structures.
Begin a Conversation
Help determine what comes next.
SeaKing Solace is seeking mission-aligned philanthropic, institutional, scientific, and technical partners prepared to help advance a carefully governed research program.
The appropriate next step depends on how you or your organization would like to engage.
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Philanthropic Leadership
For individuals, families, foundations, and advisors interested in major gifts or foundational support for the Phase 1 research program.
Discuss Philanthropic Support02
Program Sponsorship
For organizations interested in supporting research infrastructure, program operations, measurement systems, or mission-aligned public engagement.
Discuss Program Sponsorship03
Scientific Collaboration
For researchers, clinicians, academic institutions, and technical specialists interested in the scientific program or future research collaboration.
Discuss Research CollaborationA disciplined question. A defined pathway. A shared opportunity to pursue the evidence.
We welcome conversations with individuals and organizations interested in understanding the research program, reviewing the current Phase 1 objective, or exploring an appropriate role in its advancement.