System and method of balance training

Abstract

A system and method for use in moderating symptoms associated with vestibular disorders. The user stands atop a balance platform and balances or performs other exercises on the platform. The exercises require the user to work against the instability of the platform. Training difficulty may be increased or decreased by changing the pressure of the platform. Over time, the repeated performance of the exercise sessions improves the impairment the user is experiencing due to the symptoms of the vestibular disorder.

1 . (canceled)  
     
     
         2 . A system for performing multiple sessions of balance training exercises and recording and presenting data relative to the exercises to an operator, said system comprising: 
 a monitor adapted for visual display of images to the user;    a balance platform capable of sustaining the user's body weight and adapted for the user to stand atop the platform while engaging in the exercise sessions, the balance platform comprising a platform plate; a platform disc adapted for a user to balance on top of and positioned on top of the platform plate; and air springs positioned beneath the platform plate and adapted to vary the stability of the balance platform;    a tilt sensor operably connected to the balance platform and capable of measuring the angles of tilt and position over time of the balance platform while the user is engaging in the exercise sessions; and    a control system comprising a central processing unit (CPU), a random access memory (RAM), a serial port and a user interface operable to communicate between the balance platform and the serial wherein the control system is coupled to the monitor and operable to receive input from the user regarding desired modes and manners and operable to receive and record the readings from the tilt sensor and programmed to generate a first visual display on the monitor, the first visual display being determined by the readings from the tilt sensor and wherein the first visual display prompts the user to manipulate the platform to drive a graphical element on the display in response to prompts or graphical elements displayed on the monitor that corresponds to the user's movement.    
     
     
         3 . (canceled)  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the first visual display corresponds to calibration of the system and prompts the user to tilt all the way in one direction.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  wherein the control system generates a second visual display on the monitor wherein the second visual display prompts the user to manipulate the platform to drive a graphical element on the display in response to prompts or graphical elements displayed on the monitor.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the control system generates a third visual display on the monitor wherein the third visual display corresponds to selection of a mode consisting of testing, maze or review by the user.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the control system generates a fourth visual display on the monitor wherein the fourth visual display corresponds to selection of either a static or dynamic manner.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein selection of a static submode requires a user to maintain his body position on the balance platform such that a graphical element is centered on the display monitor.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7  wherein selection of a dynamic submode requires a user to manipulate the platform to drive the graphical element to trace a pattern that appears on the monitor.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7  wherein selection of a dynamic submode requires a user to manipulate the platform to drive the graphical element to move through a maze that appears on the monitor.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 7  wherein selection of a dynamic submode requires a user to manipulate the platform to drive the graphical element to move a square icon throughout a maze that appears on the monitor.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the control system generates a fifth visual display on the monitor wherein the fifth visual display corresponds to review of exercise session data.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the user may select an existing user data record.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12  wherein the user may select enter a new user data record.