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Updated: Sep 16, 2025

A Vibrotactile Feedback Device for Seated Balance Assessment and Training

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Published on: January 20, 2019

Balance Assistance Without Mechanical Support Using a Virtual Cane with Haptic Feedback.

Sindhu Reddy Alluri, Sambad Regmi, Fazlur Rashid

IEEE ... International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics : [Proceedings]

|July 11, 2025

Summary

A virtual cane (VC) using haptic feedback significantly improved standing balance in users. This non-physical support device enhances balance control by providing sensory information, approaching the effectiveness of a physical cane.

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Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Human-Computer Interaction
Assistive Technology

Background:

Light Touch (LT) enhances standing balance by providing sensory feedback.
Traditional physical canes offer support but lack advanced sensory information.
Developing non-physical assistive devices can improve balance without mechanical aid.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and evaluate a Virtual Cane (VC) that provides haptic feedback for balance.
To assess the impact of VC haptic feedback on standing balance compared to baseline and a physical cane.
To investigate the efficacy of sensory feedback from a non-physical device on balance control.

Main Methods:

A Virtual Cane (VC) was created using a distance sensor and vibration actuators.
10 healthy participants performed a tandem stance with eyes closed under three conditions: No Feedback (NF), VC with feedback, and Physical Cane (PC).
Center-of-Pressure (CoP) and Sway-density metrics were analyzed to evaluate standing balance.

Main Results:

VC with haptic feedback significantly improved CoP metrics compared to the No Feedback (NF) baseline.
Balance improvements with VC approached those achieved with a Physical Cane (PC).
Sway-density metrics did not differ significantly across conditions, indicating no major change in biomechanical strategy.

Conclusions:

Simple, binary haptic feedback from a Virtual Cane (VC) effectively improves standing balance.
The VC demonstrates the potential of non-physical assistive devices to provide substantial balance benefits.
Haptic feedback can enhance balance control without significantly altering users' underlying biomechanical strategies.