Accelerometry for Balance Assessment

This project involves assessing one's balance function. Diminished balance can lead to falls and injuries. This microcontrolled computer acquires and stores balance data which is then used for diagnostic/therapeutic intervention. A small wearable data acquisition unit has been developed to measure balance information from accelerometers on the user's head and torso. Data is collected by the unit for downloading and analysis on a desktop computer.

Potential Commercial Uses

• Clinical measurement of motion and balance of body from head and torso
• Augment current methods of clinical diagnostics and therapeutics for care of fall-prone patients, such as balance-impaired elderly, patients with hip replacements or other orthopedic cases
• Motion pattern analysis and feedback for human factor analysis and prevention of occupational injuries
• Motion pattern analysis and feedback for assessment of athletic training programs.

Benefits

• Cost, space and state-of-the-art improvements in data gathering and quantitative assessment methods over the commercially available quantitative methods, such as those employing video and plate analysis techniques.
• Allows patients/subjects to be assessed without visiting the laboratory or clinic.
• Assesses factors of motion and balance not duplicatable by current techniques.

Options for Commercialization

The Rehab R&D Center is prepared to work with a company on the following projects based upon the technologies developed for this accelerometry work. Funding options include those from SBIR proposals or Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA).

The company should have experience in one or more of the following areas: microcontroller technology, balance assessment, data acquisition, mass production techniques, and diagnostic/therapeutic devices for people with balance deficits.

Rehab R&D Center will contribute its expertise with the current research prototype: 1. Assessment unit,
2. Therapy unit, and 3. Other Applications.

For Further Information Contact:

VA Medical Center
Office of Technology Transfer
3801 Miranda Avenue, MS-153
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Tel: (6500 493-5000 Fax: (650) 493-4919
 

http://guide.stanford.edu/TTran/ttaccel.html
 

Key Words:

Medical, Balance, Accelerometry, Motion, Sports Medicine, Fall-prevention