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:
Feeling free with every step you take
The BalanceBelt:
How it works
Regain their independence
Reduce fatigue and cognitive load
Resume an active and social lifestyle
Bilateral Vestibular Loss
The BalanceBelt is intended to help people with Bilateral Vestibular Loss or Hypofunction (BVL / BVH), whose balance organs function very poorly (BVH) or not at all (BVL).
People who suffer from this condition continuously feel unstable and out of balance. They have trouble walking without walking aids, especially on uneven surfaces and in the dark, because they no longer receive (sufficient) information from their balance organs.
Not only can BVL / BVH cause physical injuries due to an increased risk of falling, it also tends to inhibit people from performing regular physical exercise. This may lead to other problems, such as lower energy (fitness), weight problems, and heart and vascular issues.
Overall, the condition restricts people in their ability to move freely and independently, resulting in a lower quality of life.
The solution:
Vibrations as balance feedback
The BalanceBelt helps BVL / BVH patients by substituting the missing balance information with vibrations (haptic feedback). It works as follows:
- The lightweight belt contains an accelerometer that senses which direction the wearer is leaning toward.
- Advanced software algorithms calculate which vibrations are required to help the wearer maintain his or her balance.
- The vibrations are provided by one or several of the 8 tiny vibration motors included in the belt.
- There is no need to pay specific attention to the vibrations. The wearer’s proprioception (sense of self-movement and body position) interprets the feedback subconsciously. This allows the wearer to adjust his or her posture and regain balance.
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Developed with vestibular experts
The BalanceBelt was developed in collaboration with renowned vestibular expert Prof. Dr Kingma.
As a Professor in Clinical Vestibulology at the Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (The Netherlands), Prof. Dr Kingma treated many patients with vestibular disorders. He developed the BalanceBelt as a substitute to the existing invasive and unsustainable treatments for severe balance disorders.
Clinically validated
Clinical trials have demonstrated that the BalanceBelt can lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life for people suffering from severe Bilateral Vestibular Loss (BVL).
Follow-up studies are scheduled to start in Q4 2021, at medical centres in Denmark and The Netherlands.
What's in the box?
1
Travel case
2
Quick guide
3
Instructions for use
4
Extra sleeve
5
BalanceBelt
6
Sleeve tool
7
Charger
8
USB-C cable
Try the BalanceBelt now
If you would like to try the BalanceBelt for yourself or your patients, please fill in the form below. We will be in touch as soon as possible.
FAQ
What is Bilateral Vestibular Loss or Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction?
The inner ear, or vestibular system, controls balance and tells your body where you are in space. Both inner ears are connected to the brain and the eyes.
Bilateral Vestibular Loss (BVL) is a complete loss of vestibular function in both inner ears. Partial damage to both inner ears is called Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction (BVH).
People with BVL or BVH have difficulty maintaining balance, especially when walking in the dark or on uneven surfaces. This can lead to an increased risk of falling, visual blurring, dizziness, imbalance, and a degradation in overall physical condition.
What is the BalanceBelt?
The BalanceBelt is a slim, lightweight belt that helps patients suffering from Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction or Loss by providing haptic feedback on body position and balance. The haptic feedback is interpreted subconsciously, allowing the wearer to correct their posture and balance.
How does the BalanceBelt work?
The BalanceBelt is a wearable that uses haptic feedback or small vibrations to stimulate the sense of touch. This activates the wearer’s proprioception, the sense that lets us perceive the location, movement and action of parts of the body.
The belt senses the direction the wearer is leaning toward and provides vibrational feedback to alert the wearer about their body position. The wearer interprets these vibrations subconsciously, corrects his or her posture and improves their balance this way.
Will the BalanceBelt work for me?
The BalanceBelt is intended for people who suffer from balance disorders like Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction (BVH) or Loss (BVL), in which the balance organs in both inner ears function very poorly or not at all.
Clinical trials have shown a significant improvement in the quality of life for people suffering from BVH and BVL. The belt may benefit patients suffering from other balance disorders, but additional clinical trials are necessary to investigate this. In the meantime, it is best to consult your Balance Specialist to determine whether the BalanceBelt may be beneficial for you.
How much does the BalanceBelt weigh?
The BalanceBelt weighs only 285 grams / 10 oz. (size M).
What are the available sizes?
- XS: 59 -70 cm
- S: 66.5 – 78 cm
- M: 75-88 cm
- L: 85.5 – 99 cm
- XL: 96.5 – 111 cm
- XXL: 105 – 117 cm
How has the BalanceBelt been tested?
The BalanceBelt has undergone extensive patient testing, under the guidance of Prof. Dr Herman Kingma of Maastricht University. The latest study was reported in the Journal of Neurology: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-018-9133-z.
