Hey I invent this... of course that was last Thursday
Graduate Engineers Design
A 'Smart' Ankle Brace To Reduce Falls Of The
Elderly
...This vibration helps the wearer
change position or shift balance to avoid a fall in much the same way that
sensory nerves provide correctional feedback to the brain.
"Falls among the elderly are
often due to decreasing proprioception--the awareness of your body's
relationship to its surroundings. Studies have found that sensitivity to foot
position declines as people age. The researchers conceived that a device that
could help simulate this lost sensitivity could help individuals maintain their
balance without relying on cumbersome support devices, such as walkers, or
ineffective devices, such as canes.'
"Their invention is an ankle
brace containing a smart chip that continuously monitors the roll of the ankle.
If the chip detects a roll that is greater than normal, it provides a
correctional vibration. This vibration helps the wearer change position or shift
balance to avoid a fall in much the same way that sensory nerves provide
correctional feedback to the brain.'
ScienceDaily
Actually there is suddenly a lot of
technology going on. This device is based on proprioception, our bodies ability
to monitor our position in space. It sends vibration, a proprioceptive signal up
the nervous pathway to help correct an imbalance. There are other technologies
being developed. Guess where? The other device under development is from the
bottom of the foot. More later.
All the
best,
Kevin
Kunz
Reflexology: Health at Your
Fingertips
Over 300,000 sold- 14
languages
Interactive Foot
Chart- http://www.dk.com/reflexology
http://www.reflexology-research.com
Posted: Mon - June 20, 2005 at 04:53 PM