Barron Associates awarded grant to Develop Balance Prosthesis

Barron Associates is leveraging advances in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-based inertial instruments to develop a novel balance prosthesis for individuals with balance disorders. The BALCAP prosthesis provides feedback to wearers via a substitute sensory channel regarding head orientation and motion, whether the individual is stationary or moving.  Such sensing emulates natural vestibular function; the head-mounted BALCAP gyroscopes sense rotational motions, similar to the semicircular canals, and the accelerometers sense gravity and translational acceleration, similar to the otoliths.

The BALCAP prosthesis applies low-amplitude vibrotactile cues directly to the head via hatband tactors that provide the wearer with feedback concerning head tilt in the pitch and roll planes.  The system is intended to both assist patients with chronic balance disorders, as well as facilitate rehabilitation of such disorders through training and physical therapy.