The BalanceBelt is a patented haptic feedback wearable that helps patients suffering from severe balance disorders such as Bilateral Vestibular Loss (BVL).
By providing feedback on body position and balance, it allows the wearer to:
The BalanceBelt is a patented haptic feedback wearable that helps patients suffering from severe balance disorders such as Bilateral Vestibular Loss (BVL).
By providing feedback on body position and balance, it allows the wearer to:
The BalanceBelt supports people with Bilateral Vestibular Loss or Hypofunction (BVL/BVH). In these conditions, the balance organs work very poorly (BVH) or not at all (BVL).
As a result, people with BVL or BVH constantly feel unstable and off balance. In particular, they struggle to walk without aids, especially on uneven surfaces or in the dark, because their balance organs no longer provide enough information.
Moreover, BVL and BVH not only increase the risk of falls and physical injuries, but also prevent many people from exercising regularly. This lack of movement can then lead to additional problems, such as reduced fitness, weight gain, and heart and vascular issues.
Ultimately, these conditions limit people’s ability to move freely and independently. Consequently, many experience a significantly lower quality of life.
The BalanceBelt helps BVL and BVH patients by replacing the missing balance information with gentle vibrations (haptic feedback). It works step by step as follows:
First, the lightweight belt uses an accelerometer to detect the direction in which the wearer leans.
Next, advanced software algorithms calculate which vibrations the wearer needs to maintain balance.
Then, one or more of the eight tiny vibration motors in the belt deliver these vibrations.
Finally, the wearer does not need to focus on the signals. The body’s proprioception (sense of movement and position) interprets the vibrations subconsciously. As a result, the wearer automatically adjusts posture and regains balance.
Bekijk de video hieronder voor de instructies om je taille op te meten en zo de juiste BalanceBelt-maat te bestellen. In deze video legt Prof. Dr. Herman Kingma, de uitvinder van de BalanceBelt en hoogleraar aan het Maastricht UMC+, stap voor stap uit hoe je dit doet.
Watch the video below for step-by-step instructions on how to measure your body and choose the right BalanceBelt size. In this video, Prof. Dr Herman Kingma, the inventor of the BalanceBelt and Clinical Professor at Maastricht UMC+, explains exactly how to take the measurements.
If you would like to try the BalanceBelt for yourself or for your patients, simply fill in the form below. Once we receive your request, our team will contact you as soon as possible.