PROGRESS: Completed Project	PROJECT REF: NA
PROJECT TITLE: IIntelligent Balance Trainer -Balance the In-balanced
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Introduction: (Maximum 100 words) Balance dysfunction is a major problem of stroke survivors affecting their mobility and participation in the community. Equipment available in the market to train symmetrical weight bearing and balance are bulky and expensive. The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences of the PolyU has developed an Intelligent Balance Trainer to assess, monitor and train balance of patients with balance disorders. It is incorporated with visual feedback to the patient. An additional option for internet connection is also available to provide data storage and data analysis. When connected to the internet, patient’s performance can be monitored and assessed by a physiotherapist in the tele-rehabilitation centre, while instantaneous feedback can be provided to the patient. Special Features and Advantages: (Maximum 50 words) 1. Graphical presentations of the captured data for visual feedback to patients 2. Light weight, easy for patient to move 3. User-friendly 4. Additional option for internet connection (a) Data logging and storage for further analysis (b) Remote monitoring for tele-rehabilitation - assessment and treatment Application(s): (Maximum 50 words) 1. Home-based balance training – patients recovering from stroke and elderly with balance impairment 2. Outcome evaluation – clinicians could retrieve the data about the patients’ performance for evaluating patients’ progress and treatment effects 3. A convenient communication tool between medical and health care professionals as well as the patients
FOCUS AREA(S): Health monitoring
KEYWORDS: train symmetrical weight bearing and balance, equipment, stroke survivor
MODE OF COLLABORATION: consultancy, licensing
STATUS PATENT: NA	PATENT NO: NA
ORGANIZATION: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
CONTACT PERSON: Dr. Margaret Mak	EMAIL: rsmmak@inet.polyu.edu.hk
TEL: (852)-2766 6708	FAX: (852)-2330 8656
WEBSITE:	DATE: 30/12/2004