ADAPTIVE POSTURAL STABILITY ACOUSTIC FEEDBACK SYSTEM

 

Market:  This invention relates to the field of biofeedback as a therapy for balance disorders.

Current Problems: In the human brain, visual, somatosensory, and vestibular input are integrated to help a person determine his or her body position and maintain balance.  For as many as 20% of the population, one or more of these input systems does not function properly.  This leads not only to stress and confusion, but can also be dangerous since balance is a crucial aspect of movement in everyday life.  In recent years biofeedback has gained popularity as a method rehabilitating those suffering from balance disorders so they may protect themselves from the dangers a lack of balance may lead to. 

The Technology:   The present invention uses a series of gyroscopes to determine the position of a person on two axises.  If either of the axies falls outside of an acceptable parameter, an auditory alarm sounds and the patient is signaled that his balance may be in danger.  As an added benefit, the alarm pitch will alter itself depending how far out of acceptable parameters the person has strayed.  Put another way, when a patient is out of balance he received a signal.  The signal will continue until he is back in proper balance, and the pitch will signal to him whether his movements are brining him closer to balance or farther away.  The aim of this device is to provide a mobile, inexpensive, easy to operate, and effective means to re-teach balance and physical memory to those who have lost it. 

 

NON-CONFIDENTIAL TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

The preceding is intended to be a non-confidential summary of a novel technology created at the University of Texas Health Science center at Houston (UTHSCH), for which the University has obtained patent protection. 

UTHSCH Ref. No. 2006-0010

Inventors: Dr. Joseph C.Y. Chang

Patent Status:

License Available: world-wide; exclusive or non-exclusive

 

To obtain further information about this technology, please contact:
Office of Technology Management, 7000 Fannin, Suite 720, Houston, TX 77030
Phone: (713) 500-3369  Fax: (713) 500-0331
Email: uthsch-otm@uth.tmc.edu