SBIR-STTR Award

This project addresses the need for sensitive and predictive measures that can identify elderly persons at risk for falling, thereby preventing some of the human and societal costs of devastating injuries. Dynamic balance assessment methods will be combined with virtual-reality techniques to produce an innovative technology for evaluating balance in simulated real-world environments. Present techniques reproduce only simple environment conditions, a far cry from the challenging situations encountered in daily life. In Phase 1, three-dimensional simulations of environmental situations in which the elderly experience instability will be developed. Postural responses and perceptions of young and elderly normal subjects will be tested. Feasibility of this approach will be evaluated by comparing responses of healthy elderly and elderly with a propensity to fall. In Phase II, interactive virtual-reality 'environments' with appropriate quantitative balance assessments will be created. A long-term goal is to fully realize the potential of virtual-reality technology and to develop functionally relevant balance testing techniques soundly based on psychophysics and clinical electro-physiological methods. By making the system user-friendly and cataloging quantitative information along with other health status measures, emerging abnormalities could be identified, shifting the emphasis from diagnosis to prevention.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:This technology would provide the first reality-based multisystem approach to realworld situations in which the elderly experience instability. Outpatient medical facilities nationwide could utilize this technology for assessment of risk and treatment efficacy.National Institute on Aging (NIA)

This project addresses the pressing need for sensitive and predictive measures to identify elderly individuals at risk for falling, thereby facilitating early intervention to prevent the human and societal costs of devastating fall-related injuries. Multisystem balance assessment (MsBA) is a novel, convenient, cost-effective method to evaluate an individuals' functional capabilities in real-life situations. Simulated real-life environmental challenges are presented to subjects undergoing examination by moving platform posturography. Unlike existing balance assessment systems, the design and use of the device incorporate manifold psychophysiological elements and environmental factors that impact ability to function optimally in daily life. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of this unique approach. Phase II will refine key system elements, then incorporate the device in stationary and mobile prototype clinics. Preliminary clinical trials will evaluate the ability of MsBA to predict outcome of intervention in highrisk groups, and educational and training materials for clinicians will be completed. Phase III will explore market potential and commercialize the system.National Institute on Aging (NIA)