System and method of moderation of vestibular disorders

Abstract

A system and method for use in moderating symptoms associated with vestibular disorders. The patient stands atop a balance platform and balances or performs other exercises on the platform. The exercises require the patient to work against the instability of an inflatable bladder positioned beneath the balance platform. Training difficult may be increased or decreased by changing the pressure of the inflatable bladder. Increased pressure makes the bladder firm, which is easier to balance upon and decreased pressure softens the bladder, making it more difficult to balance upon. Over time, the repeated performance of the exercise sessions improves the impairment the patient is experiencing due to the symptoms of the vestibular disorder.

1 . A method of improving the balance of a patient comprising:
 providing a balance training system comprising a platform capable of sustaining the patient's body weight and adapted for the patient to stand atop the platform;   a tilt sensor operably connected to the platform and capable of measuring the attitude of the platform as the patient moves atop the platform;   a monitor adapted for visual display of one or more images or a series of images to the patient;   a control system programmed to receive and record input from the tilt sensor and interpret the input as indicating the attitude of the platform and also programmed to transmit the one or more images or a series of images to the monitor for the patient to view;   having the patient stand on top of the platform and view the one or more series of images on the monitor instructing the patient on how to manipulate the platform by shifting his or her weight in order to manipulate a graphical element on the display in response to prompts displayed on the monitor;   having the patient manipulate the platform by shifting his or her weight according to the instructions viewed on the monitor, the manipulation of the platform in response to the prompts being effective in improving the balance of the patient.