Postural balance indicator and associated feedback compensation system.
Postural balance related disorders not only limit individual mobility but also often result in serious injuries or even death in particular in the elderly. Presented statistical data demonstrates the severity of this growing problem as the population at large is getting older. In addition, the disorders of the vesitibular system, often of idiopathic origin, and related abnormalities affect population across all age groups. Therefore, in order to provide an assessment of balance, awareness to patients, as well as continuous feedback to assist in maintaining equilibrium, a low cost unobtrusive system for postural balance management has been designed. The system is based on two designed and perpendicularly placed level sensors with optical detection, and a set of vibrators interfaced with the PIC based BS2 board by Parallax. The tilt identifiable vibrators provide a feedback. A programmable delay and curtailment of movement related superficial responses provides additional adaptability. The premise of this compact battery operated system is to assist patients in restoring mobility and gaining independence.
Ingerson
Paul
P
Dept. of Electr. & Biomed. Eng., California State Univ., Long Beach, CA, USA.
Druzgalski
Christopher
C