A portable audio-biofeedback system to improve postural control

This paper introduces a portable audio-biofeedback (ABF) system that encodes the signals provided by a linear accelerometric sensor into a stereo sound. This sound is relayed to the subjects via headphones and can enhance the ability of subjects to perceive trunk accelerations. We tested this system on nine healthy subjects while they stood in three conditions listening to the ABF representation of their trunk accelerations. The ABF significantly improved the subjects' balance in all three conditions. The subjects reported that they were comfortable wearing and using the ABF device. Results suggest that devices such as this ABF system may be used for balance training and balance rehabilitation therapy.

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