New Robotic Tools Aim To Improve Balance In Older Adults

Advancing Balance Research With Robotic Technology

Researchers at the University of Calgary are pioneering new methods to address balance impairments, focusing primarily on the challenges faced by older adults. Led by associate professor Ryan Peters, the kinesiology department is utilizing a specialized robotic instrument known as the Hexapod platform to study how the human body responds to instability. This research seeks to develop effective treatments that can enhance mobility and reduce the risk of dangerous falls, which are a significant concern for the aging population. The study is particularly urgent because falls are identified as the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations and deaths among people aged 65 and older, creating a substantial burden on the healthcare system.

The Hexapod platform consists of a honeycomb-shaped flat surface supported by six motorized legs. During testing, participants stand on the platform while secured in a safety harness. The machine is designed to tilt unexpectedly, simulating real-world scenarios such as tripping over an object or slipping on ice. By perturbing the user in various directions, researchers can film and analyze muscle reactions and postural changes. This allows the team to assess exactly how an individual responds to a loss of stability and what mechanisms they use to maintain their balance. While similar devices have been used in sports medicine previously, this is the first time such a tool has been utilized at this specific scale for balance research.

Integrating Wearable Stimulation

While the Hexapod serves as a critical tool for assessment and potential training, the research also incorporates a wearable device called Neurvesta. Developed by Neursantys, where Peters serves as the chief science officer, this gadget is worn around the neck similarly to a travel pillow. The device features cords that attach behind the ears to deliver electrical stimulation to the vestibular organs. These organs, located inside the inner ear, are responsible for balance but naturally decline over time, with the erosion process often beginning as early as age 40.

The combination of these two technologies creates a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation. The Hexapod platform is used to benchmark and assess a participant’s balance before, during, and after the use of the Neurvesta device. Peters suggests that the platform itself may also serve as a form of treatment. The goal is to use the stimulation and dynamic training to instruct the body’s systems to restore themselves, effectively healing balance through targeted therapy. In recent research trials, participants engaged in short 20-minute sessions conducted several times over a six-week period. The results have shown promising improvements in both mobility and balance among senior citizens.

Future Applications And Clinical Use

Currently, the combination of the Hexapod and Neurvesta is considered a research-grade tool in its pilot stage. Due to the physical size of the Hexapod platform, the technology is expected to remain within healthcare facilities, such as clinics and senior care centers, rather than becoming a home-based product. While portable versions for commercial sale are being considered, the primary focus remains on professional clinical environments where supervised training can occur. This ensures that the perturbations are managed safely while providing the necessary data for clinical assessment.

Beyond the elderly, the research team is looking to expand the application of these methods to other demographics. The ability to simulate perturbations—such as the feeling of a bus moving beneath one’s feet—makes this technology applicable to anyone with balance-related concerns. This includes individuals suffering from vertigo, those recovering from concussions sustained during sports, or people who have experienced car accidents. By broadening the scope of the study, the researchers hope to provide a scalable solution for various types of vestibular and neurological balance impairments across all age groups, addressing a wide range of traumatic brain injuries and balance disorders.