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.
M. Mancini, E. Farella, L. Rocchi, C. Tacconi, L. Benini, L. Chiari (2009). A biofeedback based portable device to support elderly mobility in the home environment. BERLIN : Springer.
A biofeedback based portable device to support elderly mobility in the home environment
MANCINI, MARTINA;FARELLA, ELISABETTA;ROCCHI, LAURA;TACCONI, CARLO;BENINI, LUCA;CHIARI, LORENZO
2009
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.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
