Audio-visual biofeedback system for postural control

Abstract

This study presents an application of biofeedback in balance training, in particular an audio-visual balance biofeedback system for dynamic balance. Motivated by the need to provide portable, cost-effective and accessible training devices, the system implements an accelerometer to quantify the balance board movements during a balancing task and use them to provide a real-time, synchronous audio-visual biofeedback. The visual feedback displays the offset and the overall performance of the balance board. The audio feedback is based on sound localization cues that indicate direction of the balance board movements using stereo sound. Initial results indicate signifi cant improvements in postural stability when audio-visual biofeedback is provided. The study found signifi cant improvements in maintenance and recovery of dynamic balance manifested through decreased variability of balance board dynamics in all directions as well as in lateral and front-to-back directions during balancing tasks when audio-visual biofeedback was used. Future applications will consider embeding the audio-video biofeedback modalities into rehabiliation game training.