Seated Balance Trainer with Perturbation Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current balance training systems are ineffective for older adults and individuals with mobility issues, as they require standing or walking, which can be dangerous and inaccessible for those who cannot walk independently, necessitating a system that provides safe and personalized balance training while seated.
Innovation Solution
A mechatronic perturbation stationary bicycle system (PerStBiRo) that provides customized, unexpected perturbations during stationary cycling, utilizing a moving platform, motors, and a central control unit to stimulate balance responses, along with a motion capture unit for real-time feedback and machine learning algorithms to adjust training sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If balance training is conducted using standing or walking positions on treadmills, then balance reactive responses can be trained effectively, but the training becomes inaccessible and dangerous for older adults and individuals who cannot walk independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by transitioning from standing/walking balance training to seated balance training. The stationary bicycle provides a stable seated position that is safe for individuals with mobility issues, while the moving platform introduces perturbations to train balance reactive responses, thus achieving both safety and training effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines a stationary bicycle with a moving platform to create a multi-functional training device that can accommodate various user groups (older adults, individuals with neurological disorders, pre-frail and frail individuals) while providing effective balance training through seated position and controlled perturbations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If perturbation training is provided during standing or treadmill walking, then balance recovery strategies are improved, but only older adults who are able to walk independently can participate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by transitioning from standing/walking balance training to seated balance training. The stationary bicycle provides a stable seated position that is safe for individuals with mobility issues, while the moving platform introduces perturbations to train balance reactive responses, thus achieving both safety and training effectiveness.
3Productivity
If outdoor bicycling is recommended for improving balance control, then balance reactive strategies are enhanced, but the recommendation may be dangerous for older adults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system - a stationary bicycle with a moving platform - that mediates between the beneficial effects of outdoor bicycling (balance training) and the safety risks. The system provides controlled perturbations in a safe, indoor environment, replicating the training benefits without the dangers of outdoor riding for older adults.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a mechatronic simulator system that provides various types of unexpected perturbations to challenge the proactive and reactive balance control in subjects to thereby improve balance control of the subject. The system includes a motion capture unit and a processing unit capable of analyzing the subject’s response to the perturbations, provide real time feedback, adjust and/or determine training sessions.