As people grow older, staying balanced and keeping a good posture often becomes harder.
This is because our muscles get weaker, our eyesight changes, and our body becomes less able to sense where it is in space.
These natural changes can make older adults more likely to fall. In fact, about 40% of older people have at least one fall every year, and many of these falls lead to injuries.
Doctors and fitness experts have known for a long time that doing balance exercises can help reduce the risk of falling. These exercises train the body to respond quickly to sudden movements, such as when someone bumps into you or when you slip.
However, the tools usually used for balance training are often big, costly, and difficult to use. This makes it hard for people to train outside of special clinics or gyms.
Now, there may be a better way. A research team led by Assistant Professor Masataka Yamamoto at Tokyo University of Science has developed a small, wearable balance exercise device, called the WBED.
This new device was introduced in a science journal and could make balance training easier, cheaper, and available for more people, especially older adults.
The WBED looks a bit like a set of suspenders. It is lightweight and easy to wear. It works by gently moving the person from side to side without warning. This movement is created by two artificial muscles built into the device. The goal is to help people get better at reacting to sudden shifts in balance, just like in real life.
One big advantage of the WBED is that it’s not heavy or bulky. Unlike most equipment used in clinics, this device can be used at home or in therapy sessions. It’s simple enough for daily use.
To see if the WBED really works, researchers tested it with 18 healthy men. They divided them into two groups. One group used the real WBED, and the other used a fake device that didn’t move. Both groups trained and had their balance tested before and after the sessions.
The group that used the real WBED showed clear improvement in their ability to stay balanced when they were pushed suddenly. This shows that the WBED can help train the body to react quickly and stay steady.
This small device could make a big difference for older adults and people in physical therapy. By using it every day, they might improve their balance and avoid dangerous falls. It could help people stay safe, independent, and active for longer.
But it’s not just for seniors. The WBED could also help athletes who need great balance and quick reflexes. Sports like soccer, gymnastics, and basketball demand fast reactions and strong balance. Athletes could use the WBED to boost their performance in a safe and simple way.
As the world’s population gets older, tools like the WBED could become very important. In countries like Japan, where many people are elderly, this device could improve health and make life safer for many.
The WBED shows how new technology can offer simple and helpful solutions to everyday problems. It gives hope not just to seniors, but also to athletes and anyone who wants to improve their balance.
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