Active Pneumatic Balance Platform
The Problem
Chronic lower back pain affects 8% of all American adults. One of the key causes of chronic lower back pain is a motor control deficit, which is often demonstrated by poor balance and coordination. Understanding dynamic postural control can help prevent future injuries, improve balance, and relieve pain without painkillers and opioids. Current solutions for evaluating postural control include diagnostic tests with immovable and expensive equipment, visual physical exams with limited data insights, or passive balance boards with limited control measurements and insight.
The Solution
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have developed an active pneumatically driven balance board that provides real time feedback to help with the evaluation of dynamic postural control. The device is lower cost, portable, can be used seating or standing positions, offers control in 3 axes (Z-axis Rotate, X-axis Roll, and Y-axis Pitch), and relays real time muscle activation/position data through a GUI interface designed for computer and mobile devices.
Applications include physical therapy and rehabilitation, athletic training, postural control monitoring.
Benefits
| Benefit |
|---|
| Portable and lower cost – 18 lbs, 20"/20"/30" |
| Tri-Soft Actuator design allows for X, Y, and Z axis control for increased mobility |
| Seated and standing versions available |
| Real-time measurements and simple setup |
| IMU measures roll and pitch angles |
| Wireless EMG sensors worn by user |
| GUI visualizes real time feedback from IMU and EMG |
| Software allows for manual control and programming of predefined muscle sequences |
More Information
- Gregory Sechrist
- Technology Manager
- 865-974-1882 | gsechris@tennessee.edu
- UTRF Reference ID: 21072
- Patent Status: D1071046
Innovators
Erkan Kaplanoglu
Department Head and Professor - Management and Technology, Mechatronics, in the College of Engineering and Computer Science Director of Biomechanics and Assistive Technology Lab (BioAstLab)
Dr. Kaplanoglu currently serves as a Department Head, Professor, and Director of the BioAstLab at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His current research focuses on Biomechatronics Systems; EMG and EEG controlled Prosthesis/Orthosis and Wearable Rehabilitation Robotics.
Read more about Erkan Kaplanoglu