System and Method of Balance Training

Abstract

A system and method for use in moderating symptoms associated with vestibular disorders. The user stands atop a balance platform and balances or performs other exercises on the platform. The exercises require the user to work against the instability of the platform. Training difficulty may be increased or decreased by changing the pressure of the platform. Over time, the repeated performance of the exercise sessions improves the impairment the user is experiencing due to the symptoms of the vestibular disorder.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 351,486, filed Feb. 9, 2006.FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS[0002]The inventions described below relate the field of improvement of balance function.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS[0003]Balance training systems have been around for several years. For example, the apparatus disclosed in Mason et al., Kinesthetic Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Device, U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,045 describes a kinesthetic diagnostic and rehabilitation device. These devices have been utilized for measuring the extent of kinesthetic impairment resulting from a bodily injury or illness such as endolymphatic hydrops, vestibular neuronitis, migraines, trauma, toxic agents, infectious agents and motion sickness in addition to multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, cerebellar degeneration, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). No device has specifically addressed improving balance function in a broader range of subjects. Conventional systems use a rig...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The method and device described below can employ the use of an inflatable device as described in Mason et al., Kinesthetic Diagnostic and Rehabilitation Device, U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,045, and similar devices in conjunction with a balance platform, a bladder, a monitor and a control system for moderation of symptoms associated with vestibular disorders. An individual desiring to improve balance function engages in a regimen using the balance training device. The individual stands atop the platform and balances or performs other exercises for a number of predetermined sessions. The system directs the user to manipulate the platform with his body movement to cause corresponding manipulation of a cursor element on the monitor display. The user manipulates the cursor to trace shape patterns, move through mazes, perform sports related tasks, or maneuver through a virtual environment presented on a monitor that the user views, using the balance platform as a joystick. The complexity of the patterns, mazes, or sports related tasks through the virtual environment may be increased or decreased over a course of treatment comprising multiple sessions spread over several weeks. The treatment is effective to improve balance function.

[0008]The method may also include a user worn head tracker and a video projector or screen. The rate tracker is to be worn on the head by the user while engaging in an exercise regimen to sense horizontal or vertical head acceleration, velocity, or position. The rate tracker may sense the head acceleration, velocity or position by several different methods, including measuring user eye movement. The digital projector or screen works in conjunction with the rate tracker to project images on the screen according to the head movement of the user (a dynamic visual acuity task). A letter or some visual display will be viewed on the screen in response to the users' head motion. The user can select the head motion speed and head direction that will generate the letter or visual display to be viewable by the user. By combining the tasks, this allows for more efficient balance training because the user can vary either the postural stability, element or dynamic visual acuity or both at the same time.

[0009]The exercises require the user to work against the instability of the balance platform. Training difficultly may be increased or decreased by changing the pressure of the balance platform. Increased pressure makes the platform firm and therefore easier to balance upon. Decreased pressure makes the platform less firm and therefore more difficult to balance upon. Over time, the repeated performance of the exercises improves balance function.

Problems solved by technology

Training difficultly may be increased or decreased by changing the pressure of the balance platform.

Decreased pressure makes the platform less firm and therefore more difficult to balance upon.

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