Modular Balance Walkway With Movable Obstacles for Reactive Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for assessing and training balance in individuals with a fear of falling (FoF) lack ecological validity, fail to address reactive balance control, and are not user-friendly or portable, limiting the effectiveness of balance interventions.
Innovation Solution
A modular balance (MOBAL) walkway with interchangeable modules that create proactive and reactive balance perturbations, including movable and fixed obstacles, equipped with sensors to measure subject responses and a controller to analyze data, allowing for customizable balance training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional balance assessment methods are used, then some insight into muscular co-contraction and startle-like behavior is provided, but ecological validity is lacking and reactive balance control is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static balance assessment to dynamic reactive balance assessment by introducing movable obstacles that can be activated during walking. The movable obstacle moves from a first position to a second position to create unexpected balance perturbations, enabling assessment of reactive balance control in a more ecologically valid manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance assessment system incorporates both fixed obstacles and movable obstacles within the same modular walkway structure, allowing it to assess both proactive and reactive balance control mechanisms. This multi-functional design enables comprehensive balance assessment without requiring separate testing equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If balance rehabilitation paradigms focus on proactive mechanisms, then proactive balance control is trained, but cognitive underpinnings of fear of falling involving reactive balance control are not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The training system is divided into modular components including fixed obstacle modules and movable obstacle modules that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows progressive training where proactive mechanisms can be trained with fixed obstacles, while reactive mechanisms are addressed by introducing movable obstacles, enabling comprehensive training without overwhelming complexity.
3Measurement precision
If known balance perturbation methods are used, then perturbation timing can be controlled, but perturbation type and location are predictable reducing ecological validity
Solution Approach 1:
The movable obstacle is configured to move from a first position to a second position during subject navigation, creating unpredictable perturbation timing and location. This dynamic configuration maintains measurement precision through sensor control while significantly improving ecological validity by simulating real-world unexpected balance threats.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for testing balance of a subject is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of modules detachably coupled together to form a walkway. Each module includes an obstacle. The obstacle of one of the modules is a movable obstacle configured to move from a first position to a second position. The obstacle of one of the modules is a fixed obstacle in a fixed position. A system is also provided that includes the apparatus of the first set of embodiments. The system also includes a sensor configured to measure a value of a parameter indicating a characteristic of motion of a subject over the walkway. A method is also provided that includes detachably coupling the plurality of modules together to form the walkway. The method further includes measuring the parameter value indicating the response of the subject to each obstacle of each module along the walkway.