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Help your BVL/BVH &
PPPD patients

The BalanceBelt is a smart, lightweight belt that enables people with severe or complete Bilateral Vestibular Loss to move freely again without the need for walking sticks or other walking aids.

A new, innovative treatment for patients with Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction (BVL / BVH)

BVL/BVH patients typically struggle to maintain balance, especially when walking in the dark or on uneven surfaces. They also experience difficulties seeing clearly during head movements.

The balanceBelt significantly improves patients stability by giving haptic feedback based on body acceleration and angle. The brain interprets this haptic feedback as input for the balance system. Patients using the BalanceBelt subconsciously improve their balance  even after just minutes of first use (!)

Patients benefits

  • Stable walking without the need for walking aids
  • Ability to look around when walking
  • Improved independence and social inclusion
  • Reduced risk of falling
  • Ability to walk in dusk or night

How does it work?

The BalanceBelt contains several tiny vibration motors (tactors), advanced software algorithms and an accelerometer. The belt senses the direction the wearer is leaning toward and provides vibrational feedback to alert the wearer about their body position.

The proprioception of the body (sense of self-movement and body position) interprets the feedback subconsciously, allowing the wearer to adjust their posture.

FAQ

Where can I get more information about availability?

Please Contact Us and let us know your question and contact details. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Has BalanceBelt been approved according to the EU Medical Device Regulations?

Yes. We can send you the declaration on conformity if you use Contact Us and let us know your question and contact details. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Where can I obtain more clinical data on the BalanceBelt?

Please Contact Us and let us know your specific area(s) of interest and contact details. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Photo of Prof. Dr Kingma.

Supported by scientic research

Clinical trials have shown that the BalanceBelt can lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life for people suffering from severe Bilateral Vestibular Loss: Kingma, H., Felipe, L., Gerards, MC. et al. Vibrotactile feedback improves balance and mobility in patients with severe bilateral vestibular loss. Journal of  Neurology 266, 19–26 (2019).

  • 23 out of 31 patients reported an improvement in their Mobility and Balance Score (MBS) of between 60% and 200%.
  • The average Mobility and Balance Score increased from 4.2 to 7.9.
  • 5 patients started using their bikes again.
Maastricht UMC