Anti-fall shirt

American scientists have invented a type of vest that helps people who are dizzy to regain balance for their bodies.

Balancing disorders can make a person feel dizzy, wobbly, or a feeling of being reeling from the fact that it is not. All of these symptoms may be caused by brain injury, infection or medication, or there is a problem with the vestibular system located in the inner ear. Consequently, sufferers suffer from many unpleasant sensations such as dizziness, delirium, blurred vision, disorientation leading to falls.

To prevent this, the research team at the University of California at Los Angeles (USA) has developed a tunic that helps patients regain a sense of balance. This shirt functions to measure the rotation and tilt of the wearer's body while moving. Swing motion is monitored and detected by a series of accelerometers placed at the shoulder. If the imbalance in the wearer is detected, the silicon balls attached to the inside of the shirt will bulge.

The pair of silicon balls is placed above the chest, between the shoulder and upper bones. The tactile system of vests includes an electronic control system that provides near instant feedback, air drives and gas-containing parts. Expert Martin Culjat, one of the project leaders, said the bubble drive has a special membrane that allows the air balloon to be activated at a sufficient pressure to let the wearer feel its thrust on the skin. One of the advantages of the air guide is that it has a faster reaction time than other actuators, providing instant feedback for patients. Other types of motions also have the disadvantage of turning the vibrating signal to the body, sometimes leaving the patient unable to feel.

Similar shirts were previously made, but only for flight simulations or for electronic games, but not for rehabilitation in people with balance disorders. This new invention can help shorten recovery time or practice to regain balance, reduce the risk of falls and improve the quality of life of patients.