Poster V18 - Investigate the wearable sensors for the effect of visual feedback of the center of pressure (CoP) during balance tasks.

Introduction: Balance is fundamental for executing voluntary movements effectively. This study investigates how real-time visual information on the position of the Center of Pressure (CoP) influences the balance. We used the Wii gaming console and wearable sensors to analyze the effects of such visual feedback, on athletes and non-athletes.
Nintendo developed a new tool to be integrated into the Wii game console by introducing the Wii balance board to support the Wii Fit system. There are some articles highlighted how the Wii Balance board can be used in balance assessment and neurorehabilitation. Bartlett et al. analyzed the precision of force and CoP computations, while Goble et al. explored its role in promoting motor learning and balance improvement in neurorehabilitation. Rohof et al. (2020) compared the Wii Balance Board with other systems, affirming their effectiveness in balance assessment.
Visual feedback plays a pivotal role in motor learning, offering real-time representations of CoP. Studies such as Ianico et al. (2021) demonstrated the effectiveness in motor learning of the real-time visual representation of the CoP, especially in athletes, enhancing strength and power performance during detraining. This underscores the importance of integrating visual feedback into athletes' training routines.
Wearable sensors provide a cost-effective and portable alternative for balance tracking. Moreover, there are some studies highlight the positive impact of motor imagery training on balance and movement, particularly in older individuals. Visual feedback during motor imagery training aligns with neurorehabilitation fundamentals, suggesting broader applications for the Wii gaming console and wearable sensors beyond athletics.

Materials and

Methods: The study aimed to investigate the effect of visual feedback on Center of Pressure (CoP) during balance tasks using the Wii gaming console and wearable sensors. The experimental setup included the Wii Fit system and a smart wearable sensor band.
Experimental Apparatus:
The Wii Fit system comprised a board with pressure sensors, enabling real-time data collection of CoP. It connected to a PC via Bluetooth for data analysis. The wearable sensor band featured physiological sensors, including electromyography (EMG) and accelerometry (ACC), providing continuous monitoring of physiological and activity data.
Procedures:
The study involved 10 athletes and 10 non-athletes, with equal gender representation. Subjects performed balance tasks on the Wii Fit, both with and without visual feedback. Data collection included wearing the sensors and undergoing balance tasks as instructed. A questionnaire gathered demographic and health information.
Recruitment and Consent:
Subjects were recruited through word of mouth and provided informed consent before participating. They were briefed on the study's purpose, procedures, and potential risks. A questionnaire collected data on age, ethnicity, and dominant hand.
Data Analysis:
Collected data underwent noise filtering and analysis using MATLAB. Accelerometry data assessed shifts in weight distribution, while EMG data identified muscle activation patterns. Machine learning algorithms correlated data with visual feedback effects on CoP. The study aimed to develop algorithms predicting CoP from wearable sensor data and physiological sensors.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions:

Results:
The study investigated the effect of visual feedback on Center of Pressure (CoP) during balance tasks using the Wii gaming console and wearable sensors. Visual feedback, provided by the Wii console, significantly improved balance, particularly in athletes. Wearable sensors demonstrated effectiveness in balance assessment comparable to the Wii Balance Board. Motor imagery training combined with visual feedback showed positive outcomes in balance and movement.

Conclusion:
Visual feedback, especially from the Wii gaming console, plays a crucial role in improving balance during voluntary movements. The study highlights the potential of wearable sensors as a portable alternative for balance assessment, with applications extending beyond athletics, particularly in neurorehabilitation. Combining visual feedback with motor imagery training offers a promising approach to enhance balance and movement control, emphasizing its importance in training routines for athletes and non-athletes alike.

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