Abstract:
The vestibular system is dedicated to gaze stabilization, postural balance, and spatial orientation; this makes vestibular function crucial for our ability to interact effectively with our environment. Vestibular hypofunction (VH) progresses over time, and it presents differently in its early and advanced stages. In the initial stages of VH, the effects of VH are mitigated using vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), which can be facilitated with the aid of technology. At more advanced stages of VH, novel techniques that use wearable technologies for sensory augmentation and sensory substitution have been applied to manage VH. Despite this, the potential of assistive technologies for VH management remains underexplored over the past decades. Hence, in this review article, we present the state-of-the-art technologies for facilitating early-stage VRT and for managing advanced-stage VH. Also, challenges and strategies on how these technologies can be improved to enable long-term ambulatory and home use are presented.
摘要:
前庭系统专用于凝视稳定,姿势平衡,和空间定位;这使得前庭功能对于我们与环境有效互动的能力至关重要。前庭功能减退(VH)随着时间的推移,它在早期和晚期表现不同。在VH的初始阶段,使用前庭康复治疗(VRT)减轻VH的影响,这可以借助技术来促进。在VH的更高级阶段,使用可穿戴技术进行感觉增强和感觉替代的新技术已应用于管理VH。尽管如此,在过去的几十年中,辅助技术在VH管理方面的潜力仍未得到充分开发.因此,在这篇评论文章中,我们介绍了促进早期VRT和管理高级VH的最先进技术。此外,提出了如何改进这些技术以实现长期门诊和家庭使用的挑战和策略。