Impact of Lumbar Vibrotactile Plantar Sensory Substitution System on Gait and Balance

Peripheral neuropathy is a medical condition that leads to a loss of sensation in the feet. Due to this loss, patients suffering from this condition are at an increased risk of falling due to impaired control of posture and gait function. Orpyx Medical Technologies Inc. has developed a biomedical device to substitute the sensory loss in the feet. The device consists of pressure sensing insoles that provide real-time feedback to the patient about the pressure distribution at the feet. The main objective of this collaboration is to investigate the effectiveness of the device to improve postural control and gait function in patients with peripheral neuropathy. These results directly contribute to the understanding of the medical device and facilitate an application for patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy with the ultimate goal of improving their quality of life.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr.Benno M. Nigg

Student:

Hendrik Enders & Jennifer Baltich

Partner:

ORPYX Medical Technologies Inc.

Discipline:

Kinesiology

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of Calgary