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Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care
Therapeutic effects of Electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) on gait and balance
Lead
Jocelyn Rempel (Co-Investigator and Advisor)
Co-lead
Ryan Peters (Chief Science Officer)
Additional Contributors
John Ralston (CEO & Co-Founder)
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THE CHALLENGE
People over 40 experience a higher risk of falls due to reduced balance retention, and falls in seniors often lead to significant loss of independence, long-term health challenges, and increased dependence on family, friends, or healthcare services. Additionally, limited healthcare resources and workforce shortages create challenges in providing adequate post-surgical and long-term care options for seniors recovering from falls. Currently, sustainable therapies for balance restoration in seniors are limited.
Current technology available to measure balance and gait can't be used to prevent falls or delivers sustainable results. Research shows sustained results for at least 6 months following 18 twenty-minute treatment sessions (3 sessions per week). The technology has shown to be effective in older populations from 50-98 years of age and in individuals with multiple sclerosis from 38-62 years of age. Additional potential applications include Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and people with cognitive decline. Pilot testing has demonstrated increased ambulatory confidence, mobility, and independence, and lower fall risk following the 6-week treatment. The Neursantys team is currently pursuing Health Canada and FDA approvals for this revolutionary device.
THE CHALLENGE
People over 40 experience a higher risk of falls due to reduced balance retention, and falls in seniors often lead to significant loss of independence, long-term health challenges, and increased dependence on family, friends, or healthcare services. Additionally, limited healthcare resources and workforce shortages create challenges in providing adequate post-surgical and long-term care options for seniors recovering from falls. Currently, sustainable therapies for balance restoration in seniors are limited.
Current technology available to measure balance and gait can't be used to prevent falls or delivers sustainable results. Research shows sustained results for at least 6 months following 18 twenty-minute treatment sessions (3 sessions per week). The technology has shown to be effective in older populations from 50-98 years of age and in individuals with multiple sclerosis from 38-62 years of age. Additional potential applications include Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and people with cognitive decline. Pilot testing has demonstrated increased ambulatory confidence, mobility, and independence, and lower fall risk following the 6-week treatment. The Neursantys team is currently pursuing Health Canada and FDA approvals for this revolutionary device.
THE INNOVATION
Innovation Overview Heading
HOW IT WORKS
HOW IT WORKS
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[Innovation Overview] This project focuses on understanding and addressing the technological acceptance barriers among older adults in Central Alberta. By comparing the usage and attitudes of those living independently, with partners, or in care facilities, the initiative identifies gaps and opportunities to design more inclusive, user-friendly digital health solutions.
Surveys and in-depth interviews gather insights into older adults’ experiences with existing eHealth and mHealth platforms, with a focus on their potential for improving healthcare access and supporting healthy aging.
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HOW IT WORKS
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THE INNOVATION
The team at Neursantys has developed an innovative wearable device to maintain and restore vestibular balance function and motor control. Originally developed to address accelerated balance aging in astronauts during prolonged exposure to microgravity, Neursantys has now adapted their innovative wearable device to assist in balance maintenance and restoration and falls prevention in older adults. The Neursantys device uses a unique form of low-level non-invasive electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) to activate long-lasting neuroplastic restoration of balance and gait. The easy-to-use "U-shaped" wearable form factor allows the device to rest comfortably around the neck and shoulders while treatment is being administered
HOW IT WORKS
The team at Neursantys has developed an innovative wearable device to maintain and restore vestibular balance function and motor control. Originally developed to address accelerated balance aging in astronauts during prolonged exposure to microgravity, Neursantys has now adapted their innovative wearable device to assist in balance maintenance and restoration and falls prevention in older adults. The Neursantys device uses a unique form of low-level non-invasive electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) to activate long-lasting neuroplastic restoration of balance and gait. The easy-to-use "U-shaped" wearable form factor allows the device to rest comfortably around the neck and shoulders while treatment is being administered
Other Known Cases:
NASA astronauts; Additional potential applications include Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and people with cognitive decline.
THE BENEFITS
For Users
Improved Balance and Stability: Reduces the risk of falls by supporting vestibular health and enhancing balance retention.
Sustainable Therapy Option: Offers a convenient, non-invasive treatment with long-lasting results, empowering seniors to take an active role in their balance care.
Increased Independence: Helps seniors regain control over their mobility, reducing reliance on family and healthcare services.
For The System
Reduced Healthcare Burden: Supports long-term balance improvement in seniors, potentially lowering fall-related injuries and the need for post-fall care.
Cost-Effective Solution: Provides a sustainable and scalable alternative to in-person therapy, addressing workforce shortages.
Enhanced Therapy Options: Expands the range of available fall prevention tools for healthcare professionals and caregivers, improving overall senior care.
THE BENEFITS
For Users
Improved Balance and Stability: Reduces the risk of falls by supporting vestibular health and enhancing balance retention.
Sustainable Therapy Option: Offers a convenient, non-invasive treatment with long-lasting results, empowering seniors to take an active role in their balance care.
Increased Independence: Helps seniors regain control over their mobility, reducing reliance on family and healthcare services.
For The System
Reduced Healthcare Burden: Supports long-term balance improvement in seniors, potentially lowering fall-related injuries and the need for post-fall care.
Cost-Effective Solution: Provides a sustainable and scalable alternative to in-person therapy, addressing workforce shortages.
Enhanced Therapy Options: Expands the range of available fall prevention tools for healthcare professionals and caregivers, improving overall senior care.
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Explore the Health Everywhere Portfolio to see how local innovations are solving real-world challenges and shaping the future of care across the province.
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The Health Everywhere Hub portfolio map showcases academic-led projects tackling real healthcare challenges across Alberta. By highlighting shared goals and commonalities, we hope to spark collaboration and amplify impact across the system.
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