A biofeedback based portable device to support elderly mobility in the home environment

M. Mancini, E. Farella, L. Rocchi, C. Tacconi, L. Benini, L. Chiari

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationWorld Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering
Subtitle of host publicationNeuroengineering, Neural Systems, Rehabilitation and Prosthetics
PublisherSpringer-Verlag
Pages546-549
Number of pages4
Edition9
ISBN (Print)9783642038884
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
EventWorld Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering: Neuroengineering, Neural Systems, Rehabilitation and Prosthetics - Munich, Germany
Duration: Sep 7 2009Sep 12 2009

Publication series

NameIFMBE Proceedings
Number9
Volume25
ISSN (Print)1680-0737

Other

OtherWorld Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering: Neuroengineering, Neural Systems, Rehabilitation and Prosthetics
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityMunich
Period9/7/099/12/09

Keywords

  • Ambient assisted living
  • Assistive technologies
  • Biofeedback
  • Telemedicine

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Biomedical Engineering

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