Determining postural stability
Inventors
Lieberman, Erez • Forth, Katharine E. • Paloski, William H.
Assignees
Massachusetts Institute of Technology • National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA • Harvard University
Publication Number
US-8011229-B2
Publication Date
2011-09-06
Expiration Date
2028-11-26
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Abstract
A method for determining postural stability of a person can include acquiring a plurality of pressure data points over a period of time from at least one pressure sensor. The method can also include the step of identifying a postural state for each pressure data point to generate a plurality of postural states. The method can include the step of determining a postural state of the person at a point in time based on at least the plurality of postural states.
Core Innovation
The invention features a method and system for determining the postural stability of a person by acquiring a plurality of pressure data points over a period of time from at least one pressure sensor, identifying a postural state for each pressure data point to generate a plurality of postural states, and determining a postural state of the person at a point in time based at least on the plurality of postural states.
The method includes using pressure sensors placed on load bearing structures, such as shoes, canes, walkers, prosthetic legs, or robotic devices, to obtain pressure information and determine states using techniques like Hidden Markov Models or Bayesian segmentation. The postural states can be classified into static or dynamic states, with dynamic states representing movement from one static posture to another, and a sequence of static postural states defining equilibrium.
The invention addresses the challenge of detecting and correcting postural instability, which can result from aging, injury, return from zero gravity environments, lack of exercise, and other factors, by providing a method and system operable outside of lab environments and applicable in real time. It enables tracking of postural stability throughout daily activities, notification to users about pending instability, and interaction with safety devices to prevent falls or injuries.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims detailing methods and a system for determining postural stability using pressure data and probabilistic models.
Method for determining postural stability using pressure data and probabilistic transition
A computer-implemented method that acquires multiple pressure data points over time from at least one pressure sensor, identifies postural state for each data point generating a plurality of postural states, and determines a postural state at a point in time based on these states and probabilities of transitioning between them, where states are static or dynamic.
Method for determining postural state from two pressure data points with state classification and probabilistic transition
A computer-implemented method acquiring at least first and second pressure data points from at least one pressure sensor, identifying the first and second postural states as static or dynamic based on these points, and determining a postural state at a point in time based on these states and probabilities of transitioning between them.
System for determining postural stability using pressure sensors and probabilistic state identification
A system comprising at least one pressure sensor coupled to a person that acquires multiple pressure data points over time, means for identifying postural state for each pressure point, means for generating a plurality of postural states over time, and means for determining a postural state at a point in time based on these states and probabilities of transitioning between states, with states being static or dynamic.
The claims cover computer-implemented methods and a system that utilize pressure sensors to acquire data, classify postural states as static or dynamic, and determine current or future postural stability based on probabilistic transitions, enabling identifying postural stability or instability of a person.
Stated Advantages
Provides real-time determination and monitoring of a person's postural stability using pressure sensors.
Enables notification to the person regarding pending unstable postural states, which can prevent falls and injuries.
Allows tracking and monitoring of postural stability over time to assess and correct daily activities and support medical and physical therapy.
Facilitates integration with safety devices to protect against injuries by activating them based on current or predicted postural states.
Documented Applications
Used by physical therapists, doctors, athletes, astronauts, patients, and any person needing to assess or correct postural stability.
Quantifies sensory feedback systems for balance during standing, locomotion, and other sensory-motor activities.
Assesses and tracks progress of stroke patients relearning standing, walking, and running skills.
Monitors athletes' daily behavior during training to quantify time spent running, walking, or sitting.
Tracks postural stability of astronauts after spaceflight or during altered gravity environments.
Integrated into shoes, walkers, canes, prosthetic limbs, robots, and vehicles for continuous postural state monitoring.
Enables activation of safety features in vehicles or alert systems for individuals based on postural state.
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