Abstract
Decreased ability to control posture is correlated with the risk of falls among older individuals. In particular, reactive postural control ability response to even small perturbations is important for fall prevention of older individuals. The current study sought to design a new wearable assistive device for improving balance function by generating small perturbations using pneumatic gel muscle (PGM). Furthermore, we investigated the effects of using the proposed device for balance training. The proposed wearable balance exercise device utilized PGMs possessing various features, such as a lightweight design and the ability to generate small perturbations with a small power source. We investigated the effects of the device on reactive postural control exercises. Seven healthy participants participated in this study. Three-dimensional acceleration data (Ax, Ay, and Az) were measured from participants during a single leg stance in each session. The peak Ax value generated by perturbations and responses significantly differed from baseline peak acceleration. The peak Ay value caused by perturbations was significantly decreased compared with baseline peak acceleration. In addition, the root mean square Ax value of the post-test significantly decreased compared with the pre-test value. Our results revealed that the proposed wearable balance exercise device was able to create small perturbations for assessing reactive postural balance control. Furthermore, the device was able to improve users’ stability.
Highlights
Fall prevention is important for extending the healthy lifespan of older individuals
Our results revealed that the proposed wearable balance exercise device was able to create small perturbations for assessing reactive postural balance control
In the reactive postural control assessment session, the results revealed that the proposed device generated small perturbations on the dominant leg side and in the inferior direction, because the lateral side pneumatic gel muscle (PGM) caused bending of the participants’ trunk on the dominant leg side
Summary
Fall prevention is important for extending the healthy lifespan of older individuals. A decrease in the ability to control posture is correlated with the risk of fall among older individuals [4]. A previous study reported that balance impairment increases the risk of fall by 1.2 to 2.4 times [5]. Improvement of balance function is important for the extension of the healthy life span of older individuals. To address this issue, physical therapists often provide balance-focused exercises for patients or older individuals, promoting the improvement of balance function. Previous studies revealed that balance exercises can improved balance function of healthy older individuals as well as prevent falls [6,7]. Horak et al [8] reported that balance is composed of many factors, including sensory, strength, motor coordination, and alignment
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
