We present a device to support elderly balance and mobility in the home environment based on the sensory augmentation principle. We designed and tested an audio-biofeedback system that is wireless and lightweight, and can be easily worn and operated by elderly subjects. Having in mind wearability and unobtrusiveness, it is based on a palmtop computer, a stereo headset, and body sensors networks. Preliminary validation was performed on a sample of 6 older people with Parkinson’s Disease and 3 age-matched control subjects. Promising results were obtained, both in terms of ease-of-use and users’ acceptability of the device, and in terms of postural improvement induced by the use of the biofeedback system.
Titolo: | A biofeedback based portable device to support elderly mobility in the home environment |
Autore/i: | MANCINI, MARTINA; FARELLA, ELISABETTA; ROCCHI, LAURA; TACCONI, CARLO; BENINI, LUCA; CHIARI, LORENZO |
Autore/i Unibo: | |
Anno: | 2009 |
Titolo del libro: | IFMBE Proceedings |
Pagina iniziale: | 546 |
Pagina finale: | 549 |
Abstract: | We present a device to support elderly balance and mobility in the home environment based on the sensory augmentation principle. We designed and tested an audio-biofeedback system that is wireless and lightweight, and can be easily worn and operated by elderly subjects. Having in mind wearability and unobtrusiveness, it is based on a palmtop computer, a stereo headset, and body sensors networks. Preliminary validation was performed on a sample of 6 older people with Parkinson’s Disease and 3 age-matched control subjects. Promising results were obtained, both in terms of ease-of-use and users’ acceptability of the device, and in terms of postural improvement induced by the use of the biofeedback system. |
Data prodotto definitivo in UGOV: | 1-mar-2010 |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 4.01 Contributo in Atti di convegno |