Proprioceptive Stimulation Device for Fall Risk Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aging leads to a decline in physical function, contributing to increased risk of unintentional falls due to reduced neuromuscular system efficiency, including muscle strength, proprioceptor degeneration, and decreased balance control, resulting in significant injuries and mortality among the elderly.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a stimulator and sensor system that provides proprioceptive stimulation through low-frequency vibrations to enhance balance by stimulating proprioceptors without inducing muscle contractions, activated only when the user is standing to reduce the risk of falls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional exercise and physical therapy are used to improve balance, then motor function can be enhanced, but time commitment and patient compliance become major barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses mechanical vibration applied to specific body locations (such as the ankle or knee) to stimulate proprioceptors and enhance balance control. This vibratory stimulation provides the neuromuscular system with sensory feedback that improves postural stability without requiring the user to perform time-consuming exercises, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and time commitment.
2Reliability
If high-frequency vibration is applied to stimulate proprioceptors, then balance improvement is enhanced, but muscle contractions are induced causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The device carefully controls the vibration frequency parameter to fall within a specific range that effectively stimulates proprioceptors (such as Pacinian corpuscles) without reaching the threshold that triggers muscle contractions. By optimizing this physical parameter, the system achieves the desired sensory stimulation while avoiding the harmful effect of muscle contractions and associated discomfort.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively reduces the risk of unintentional falls by improving proprioceptor sensitivity and motor neuron responsiveness, enhancing balance and posture stability in elderly individuals at high risk, while being non-invasive and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
The stimulator is configured to stimulate proprioceptors of the user at a frequency that does not induce muscle contractions
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for reducing a risk of unintentional falls in a subject that is at risk for falls. The device includes a sensor and a stimulator. The sensor is configured to be positioned adjacent a body portion of the user that changes orientation when the user sits and stands. The sensor is also configured to emit an activation signal when the user stands and to emit a deactivation signal when the user sits or lies down. The stimulator is in communication with the sensor and is configured to be positioned adjacent one of a calf and a lower back of the user. The stimulator is configured to vibrate at a frequency that stimulates proprioceptors of the user without inducing muscle contractions upon receipt of the activation signal from the sensor and to cease vibration upon receipt of the deactivation signal from the sensor.