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Theme 2: Remote Monitoring and Virtual Care
Therapeutic Effects of Electrical Vestibular Stimulation (EVS) on Gait and Balance
What if improving balance in older adults didn’t require intensive therapy or hard-to-access services, but could start with a small wearable that helps the brain relearn stability over time?
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 face rising fall risk due to reduced balance retention, and falls in seniors often result in loss of independence, long-term health challenges, and increased reliance on family or healthcare services. Limited healthcare resources and workforce shortages further restrict access to post-surgical and long-term recovery support. Sustainable therapies for restoring balance are scarce, and current balance and gait tools cannot prevent falls or deliver lasting results, leaving a major gap in effective fall-prevention solutions.
THE CHALLENGE
People over 40 face rising fall risk due to reduced balance retention, and falls in seniors often result in loss of independence, long-term health challenges, and increased reliance on family or healthcare services. Limited healthcare resources and workforce shortages further restrict access to post-surgical and long-term recovery support. Sustainable therapies for restoring balance are scarce, and current balance and gait tools cannot prevent falls or deliver lasting results, leaving a major gap in effective fall-prevention solutions.
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 a wearable device designed to maintain and restore vestibular balance function and motor control. Originally created to counter accelerated balance aging in astronauts exposed to microgravity, the device now supports balance maintenance, gait restoration, and fall prevention in older adults. Using low-level, non-invasive electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS), it activates long-lasting neuroplastic improvements in balance and gait. Its simple U-shaped form rests comfortably around the neck and shoulders during treatment. Early research shows strong potential for older adults and people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and cognitive decline.
HOW IT WORKS
The wearable delivers low-level electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) to retrain the brain’s balance systems and restore motor control. Users complete 18 guided sessions over six weeks, each lasting 20 minutes. The U-shaped device fits comfortably around the neck and shoulders, making treatment easy to administer in clinical or home settings.
THE BENEFITS
For Users
Improved Balance and Stability: Reduces the risk of falls by supporting vestibular health and enhancing balance retention.
Sustainable, Non-invasive Therapy Option: Offers a convenient, non-invasive treatment with long-lasting results, empowering seniors to take an active role in their balance care.
Greater Independence: Helps seniors regain control over their mobility, reducing reliance on family and healthcare services.
For The System
Improved Balance and Stability: Reduces the risk of falls by supporting vestibular health and enhancing balance retention.
Sustainable, Non-invasive Therapy Option: Offers a convenient, non-invasive treatment with long-lasting results, empowering seniors to take an active role in their balance care.
Greater Independence: Helps seniors regain control over their mobility, reducing reliance on family and healthcare services.
THE BENEFITS
For Users
Improved Balance and Stability: Reduces the risk of falls by supporting vestibular health and enhancing balance retention.
Sustainable, Non-invasive Therapy Option: Offers a convenient, non-invasive treatment with long-lasting results, empowering seniors to take an active role in their balance care.
Greater Independence: Helps seniors regain control over their mobility, reducing reliance on family and healthcare services.
For The System
Improved Balance and Stability: Reduces the risk of falls by supporting vestibular health and enhancing balance retention.
Sustainable, Non-invasive Therapy Option: Offers a convenient, non-invasive treatment with long-lasting results, empowering seniors to take an active role in their balance care.
Greater Independence: Helps seniors regain control over their mobility, reducing reliance on family and healthcare services.
Ready to Keep Exploring?
If you’d like to learn more or connect about Therapeutic Effects of Electrical Vestibular Stimulation (EVS) on Gait and Balance, reach out to Jocelyn Rempel, Project Lead, at:
Get Involved
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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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