HOLOBALANCE: An Augmented Reality virtual trainer solution forbalance training and fall prevention

Balance disorders affect a large number of older people, leading to falls. To promote independence, self-care and the quality of living of the long-lived population, an innovative solution is devoped to act as a virtual trainer for people that suffer from vestibular dysfunction related balance disorders. Our solution offers a virtual balance therapy, supported by Information and Communication Technology devices, to monitor user’s activity during the day and provide real time feedback for the correct execution of physiotherapy exercises. Wearable sensors are utilized to monitor user activity, while during the execution of exercises, cameras are used to track the body of the user. An Augmented Reality headset is used to project the virtual trainer’s 3D avatar in front of the user, providing real time guidance for the correct execution of the exercises.

[1]  Sha Liang.  Research Proposal on Reviewing Augmented Reality Applications for Supporting Ageing Population , 2015 .

[2]  Malcolm Campbell,et al.  Tailored group exercise (Falls Management Exercise -- FaME) reduces falls in community-dwelling older frequent fallers (an RCT). , 2005, Age and ageing.

[3]  A. Vinik,et al.  Supervised Balance Training and Wii Fit-Based Exercises Lower Falls Risk in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes. , 2017, Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.

[4]  Urs Granacher,et al.  A Qualitative Review of Balance and Strength Performance in Healthy Older Adults: Impact for Testing and Training , 2012, Journal of aging research.

[5]  S. Sahli,et al.  Combined physical-cognitive training enhances postural performances during daily life tasks in older adults , 2017, Experimental Gerontology.

[6]  Julie Anne Simpson,et al.  Effectiveness of a Targeted Exercise Intervention in Reversing Older People's Mild Balance Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial , 2011, Physical Therapy.

[7]  Donald R. Noll.  Management of Falls and Balance Disorders in the Elderly , 2013, The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.

[8]  Damien Brulin,et al.  Design and evaluation of a smart insole: Application for continuous monitoring of frail people at home , 2018, Expert Syst. Appl..

[9]  Didier Stricker,et al.  Cognitive Augmented Reality , 2015, Comput. Graph..

[10]  Kuo-Ping Chang,et al.  Augmented reality technology combined with three-dimensional holography to train the mental rotation ability of older adults , 2016, Comput. Hum. Behav..

[11]  E. Hudlicka.  Virtual training and coaching of health behavior: example from mindfulness meditation training. , 2013, Patient education and counseling.

[12]  Jeannine S. Schiller,et al.  Fall injury episodes among noninstitutionalized older adults: United States, 2001-2003. , 2007, Advance data.

[13]  Cathy Craig,et al.  Successful balance training is associated with improved multisensory function in fall-prone older adults , 2015, Comput. Hum. Behav..

[14]  Michael C Schubert,et al.  Disorders of balance and vestibular function in US adults: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2004. , 2009, Archives of internal medicine.