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.
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.
