The overall goal of our proposed research is to develop and validate, using hypothesis-based research, an integrated, 6- degree of freedom, three-axis array of motion sensors and related software algorithms for use in prostheses that improve the balance of vestibular deficient individuals. The Research Project Grant (R01) is used instead of the Phased Innovation Award due to NIDCD funding constraints and because of our existing preliminary results. This proposal builds upon the results of a one-axis motion sensing device that uses tactile vibrators to display body tilt and that has been used to improve the balance in vestibular deficient subjects. Members of the proposed research team developed this limited-production device and the initial test protocols that validate it. Using existing partnerships with industry, commercially available miniature rate gyroscopes and linear accelerometers will be selected, tested, and assembled into a motion-sensing array. A set of algorithms specific to the selected hardware will be written to yield physiologically useful measurements. As part of the development process other members of the research community will be polled for their inputs. This technology will be validated by integrating it into a wearable prototype balance aid that uses estimates of body tilt to help subjects improve their balance. This application was selected because there is not presently a practical way of providing direct electric stimulation to the human vestibular nerve using implantable devices. The prototype balance aid will then be used by four investigators in two sites (Boston MA, and Portland OR) for hypothesis-based experiments about balance during standing and locomotion. This approach achieves the simultaneous goals of sensor development (consistent with the RFA), of validation by hypothesis-based research (consistent with the Research Project Grant mechanism mandated by NIDCD) and is a necessary step in the development of a prosthesis that improves the balance in vestibular deficient subjects.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01DC006201-01
Application #
6588901
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-F (02))
Program Officer
Platt, Christopher
Project Start
2002-09-27
Project End
2006-08-31
Budget Start
2002-09-27
Budget End
2003-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$733,323
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Department
Type
DUNS #
073825945
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02114
Sienko, Kathleen H; Balkwill, M David; Oddsson, Lars I E et al. (2013) The effect of vibrotactile feedback on postural sway during locomotor activities. J Neuroeng Rehabil 10:93
Ersal, Tulga; Sienko, Kathleen H (2013) A mathematical model for incorporating biofeedback into human postural control. J Neuroeng Rehabil 10:14
Sienko, Kathleen H; Balkwill, M David; Wall 3rd, Conrad (2012) Biofeedback improves postural control recovery from multi-axis discrete perturbations. J Neuroeng Rehabil 9:53
Wall 3rd, Conrad; Wrisley, Diane; Oddsson, Lars (2012) Vibrotactile feedback of mediolateral trunk tilt or foot pressure increases locomotor performance in healthy older adults--a pilot study. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2012:6145-8
Goodworth, Adam D; Wall, Conrad; Peterka, Robert J (2011) A balance control model predicts how vestibular loss subjects benefit from a vibrotactile balance prosthesis. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2011:1306-9
Dozza, Marco; Chiari, Lorenzo; Peterka, Robert J et al. (2011) What is the most effective type of audio-biofeedback for postural motor learning? Gait Posture 34:313-9
Wall 3rd, C; Lyford, N D; Sienko, K H et al. (2011) The design and development of a production prototype balance belt. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2011:3524-8
Sienko, Kathleen H; Vichare, Vivek V; Balkwill, M David et al. (2010) Assessment of vibrotactile feedback on postural stability during pseudorandom multidirectional platform motion. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 57:944-52
Wall 3rd, C; Kentala, E (2010) Effect of displacement, velocity, and combined vibrotactile tilt feedback on postural control of vestibulopathic subjects. J Vestib Res 20:61-9
Wall 3rd, Conrad (2010) Application of vibrotactile feedback of body motion to improve rehabilitation in individuals with imbalance. J Neurol Phys Ther 34:98-104

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