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A Vibrotactile Feedback Device for Seated Balance Assessment and Training
Published on: January 20, 2019
A wireless lingual feedback device to reduce overpressures in seated posture: a feasibility study
Olivier Chenu1, Nicolas Vuillerme, Jacques Demongeot
1Techniques for biomedical engineering and complexity management-informatics, mathematics and applications-Grenoble (TIMC-IMAG)-UMR UJF CNRS 5525-Domaine de la Merci, La Tronche, France. olivier.chenu@imag.fr
Plos One
|November 6, 2009
Summary
A novel tongue tactile feedback system effectively guided healthy subjects to reduce buttock overpressure while seated. This biofeedback system shows promise for preventing pressure sores in individuals with prolonged sitting postures.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Pressure sores are localized skin injuries caused by prolonged overpressure, particularly affecting individuals with paraplegia due to prolonged seated postures and reduced lower limb sensation.
- Developing effective strategies to mitigate pressure sore risk is crucial for improving the quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a novel biofeedback system designed to reduce buttock overpressure in seated individuals.
- To assess the system's ability to provide real-time postural guidance through tactile feedback.
Main Methods:
- A biofeedback system was developed, comprising pressure sensors, a laptop for data processing, and a wireless Tongue Display Unit (TDU) delivering tactile information.
- Twenty-four healthy subjects participated in a feasibility trial, divided into an experimental group (EG) using the TDU and a control group (CG) without biofeedback.
- Key metrics included the ability to achieve target postures, reduction in high-pressure events, and the magnitude of pressure reduction relative to initial values.
Main Results:
- The experimental group successfully reached target postures in 90.2% of trials, significantly outperforming the control group (5.3%).
- A significant reduction in buttock overpressure was observed in the experimental group compared to the control group.
- The system demonstrated that higher initial pressures were more effectively reduced by the biofeedback intervention.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that the tongue tactile feedback system is a viable tool for enabling seated individuals to reduce buttock overpressure.
- Further research is warranted to evaluate the system's effectiveness in paraplegic populations at high risk for pressure sores.
