This study investigates the effects of a proprioception-enhancing assistive orthosis on balance and joint sense in geriatric patients with age-related diseases. The study uses wearable devices that deliver vibration stimuli to improve proprioceptive feedback. A total of 20 participants will be enrolled in a 24-month, IRB-approved trial at Seoul National University Hospital. The study assesses functional balance and joint position sense before and after using the device.
Muscle strength: Handgrip strength < 28 kg (men), < 18 kg (women)
Physical performance: Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) ≤ 8 points
Muscle mass: Bioimpedance analysis showing < 7.0 kg/m² (men), < 5.7 kg/m² (women)
Able to fully understand and follow instructions related to walking, sitting, and balance.
Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
High risk of falls due to severe visual impairment or dizziness
Communication difficulties due to speech, language, or hearing problems
Inability to walk independently without assistive devices
Single group
proprioception-enhancing assistive orthosis
DeviceA wearable device that provides mechanical vibration to the tendons around the knee and ankle to enhance proprioceptive feedback. Vibration intensity and timing are controlled automatically based on body tilt measured by an IMU sensor. The device is applied during balance and joint sense assessments conducted across three visits.
Postural Sway
This measures the amount of body sway during quiet standing (static) or controlled leaning in various directions (dynamic). Parameters such as center of pressure (COP) displacement, velocity, and area are recorded to assess balance stability. Assessments will be conducted under the following three conditions: 1. without the orthosis, 2. with the orthosis worn but vibration inactive, and 3. with the orthosis worn and vibration active.
Berg Balance Scale
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a 14-item objective measure used to assess static balance and fall risk in adults. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating the lowest level of function and 4 indicating the highest level. The total score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance performance. Assessments will be conducted under the following three conditions: 1. without the orthosis, 2. with the orthosis worn but vibration inactive, and 3. with the orthosis worn and vibration active.
Romberg Test
The Romberg Test is a neurological test used to assess balance and proprioceptive control. Participants are asked to stand with their feet together, arms at their sides, and eyes closed, while the examiner observes for excessive sway or loss of balance. The duration for which the participant can maintain the position without stepping or falling is recorded, up to a maximum of 60 seconds. Longer durations indicate better balance. Assessments will be conducted under the following three conditions: 1. without the orthosis, 2. with the orthosis worn but vibration inactive, and 3. with the orthosis worn and vibration active.
Passive Joint Position Reproduction Test (Passive JPR)
Assesses proprioceptive accuracy by passively moving a joint (e.g., the knee) to a target angle, then asking the participant to indicate when the position is reached again. The difference between target and reproduced angles reflects proprioceptive acuity. Assessments will be conducted under the following three conditions: 1. without the orthosis, 2. with the orthosis worn but vibration inactive, and 3. with the orthosis worn and vibration active.
Active Joint Position Reproduction Test (Active JPR)
Participants actively move their joint to a memorized target angle without visual or auditory cues. The accuracy of the reproduced angle is used to evaluate active proprioceptive control. Assessments will be conducted under the following three conditions: 1. without the orthosis, 2. with the orthosis worn but vibration inactive, and 3. with the orthosis worn and vibration active.
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Seoul National University Hospital
Lead sponsor
Ministry of Science and ICT, Republic of Korea
Collaborator
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