A balance training system using a haptic device and its evaluations

Abstract

Haptic device can be a useful rehabilitation tool in balance training. The proposed system is composed of a body-wear smartphone, Phantom Omni® device, and its control PC system. Ten young healthy subjects performed balance tasks with different postures during 30 seconds with their eyes closed. An Android program on the smartphone transferred mediolateral (ML) and anteroposterior (AP) tilt angles to the PC system, which can generate haptic command through haptic device. Statistical data analysis was performed using MATLAB®. COP (Center of Pressure) related indexes were measured to see reduction in body sway. ANOVA showed that haptic device significantly reduced body sway. Intuitive balance guidance could be generated using an economical and small-sized commercial haptic device, making the system efficient. Copyright.