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San Sebastian, Spain – Researchers at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) have developed a novel mechatronic device designed to improve balance assessment and rehabilitation for patients with conditions like stroke. This innovative prototype, developed in collaboration with professionals at Gorliz Hospital, utilizes a mobile platform to systematically stimulate and measure a patient’s balance responses.
Stroke often results in partial paralysis or weakness, requiring extensive rehabilitation to regain balance and gait. Traditional assessment methods often rely heavily on subjective evaluations, making it challenging to objectively track patient progress. Recognizing this need, the COMPMECH research group at UPV/EHU, with expertise in mechatronics, developed a device that objectively assesses balance by measuring a patient’s “center of pressure.”
“Imagine standing on a moving bus,” explains researcher Francisco Campa. “To maintain balance, the body shifts weight to compensate for the bus’s movements. This weight distribution, or center of pressure, provides valuable insights into a person’s balance capabilities.”
Controlled Balance Stimulation and Measurement
The patented prototype features a platform on which the patient stands. This platform has two key functions:
- Stimulation: The platform can be raised, tilted, or moved in various directions with controlled speed and amplitude, challenging the patient’s balance and eliciting responses.
- Measurement: Integrated sensors within the platform measure the forces exerted by the patient, allowing for precise tracking of their center of pressure movement.
This controlled environment ensures consistent and repeatable measurements, enabling more accurate monitoring of patient progress over time.
Beyond Stroke:
While initially developed for stroke patients, this innovative device holds promise for individuals with other conditions affecting balance, such as amputees, patients with vertigo, and those recovering from injuries.
Collaborative Success
The success of this project hinges on strong collaboration between the research group and the medical professionals at Gorliz Hospital. This interdisciplinary approach has proven invaluable in translating research into clinical practice.
This research, published in the journal Mechatronics, represents a significant step forward in improving balance rehabilitation outcomes for individuals facing mobility challenges.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided information and may not include all details or nuances of the research.
