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 . An apparatus comprising a processor and memory storing machine executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the apparatus to:
 receive a signal indicating motion of a user on a platform;   receive a signal indicating motion of a head of the user;   output a display signal including video indicating performance of a combination of tasks controlled with the signals.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the combination of tasks require the user to balance against an instability in the platform. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising the platform, wherein:
 the platform is adapted to sit at a variable tilt angle ranging between minimum and maximum limits relative to a base; and   the platform, when supporting the user, sits at the minimum or maximum limit unless actively balanced by the user to sit at a tilt angle between the limits;   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a head motion sensor configured to generate the signal indicating the motion of the head. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the machine executable instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the apparatus to display, in the video, direction to the user for performing the tasks. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein:
 the video includes a graphic that moves in response to the signal indicating motion of the user on the platform; and   one of the tasks directs the user to move the graphic in a prescribed pattern.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the display signal includes a pattern and the one of the tasks directs the user to trace a pattern with the graphic. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the display signal includes a maze and the one of the tasks directs the user to move the graphic through a maze. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the tasks combine a postural stability challenge with a dynamic visual task. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus comprising a processor and memory storing machine executable instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to:
 receive a signal indicating motion of a user on a platform requiring the user to balance against an instability in the platform; and   output a display signal including a graphic that moves in response to the received signal, and including a stability task requiring the user to move the graphic in a prescribed pattern.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the apparatus to receive a signal indicating motion of a head of the user, wherein the display signal further includes a dynamic visual task to perform simultaneously with the stability task. 
     
     
         12 . A method of treating a person to improve the person's stability, comprising:
 displaying on a monitor a graphic that moves in response to motion of a platform requiring the person standing on the platform to balance against an instability in the platform;   displaying on the monitor a task requiring the person to move the graphic in a prescribed pattern;   scoring a performance of the task; and   displaying the scoring on the monitor.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 scoring multiple performances of the task; and   displaying on the monitor changes in the scoring over the multiple performances.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the method treats a vestibular disorder of the person. 
     
     
         15 . A method of treating a person to improve the person's stability:
 displaying on a monitor a graphic that moves in response to motion of a platform caused by a person standing on the platform;   displaying on the monitor a stability task requiring the person to move the graphic in a prescribed pattern;   displaying on the monitor a graphic indicating performance of a dynamic visual task by the person;   scoring a simultaneous performance of the stability task and the dynamic visual task; and   displaying the scoring on the monitor.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 scoring multiple simultaneous performances of the task; and   displaying on the monitor changes in the scoring over the multiple simultaneous performances.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the method treats a vestibular disorder of the person.