PCEC News
Engineering Faculty Member Contributes to the Development of a System that Could Revolutionize Fall Prevention
August 31, 2023
Unintentional falls are a significant cause of injury and hospitalization, especially among the elderly and disabled. Stairlifts and ceiling-mounted gait systems are standard solutions, but they can be expensive and difficult to install.
The Windsor Gait Assist (WGA) is 2innovate’s new, low-cost, wall-mounted gait assist system that could revolutionize how we prevent falls. The WGA is a patented, traveling "seat belt" that attaches to the user via an elastic-type tether. As the user ambulates, the trolley moves along a rail, providing support and preventing them from falling. In the event of a fall, the trolley temporarily brakes, preventing the user from hitting the floor.
The WGA is unique in several ways. First, it is the only wall-mounted gait assist system that does not require electricity or batteries. This makes it much more affordable and accessible than other systems. Second, the WGA is easily installed in homes without technical expertise. It can be used in various settings, including homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and physical therapy clinics.
The WGA is still in the early stages of development, but it has the potential to significantly impact how we prevent falls. Preliminary testing has shown that the WGA effectively prevents falls and is comfortable and easy to use.
Abishek Balsamy-Kamaraj, Assistant Professor of Product Design & Manufacturing Engineering at GVSU, will contribute to the next development phase, funded by a National Science Foundation Small Business Technology Transfer award. Further development will focus on testing and refinement of the WGA. The team is also developing alternative trolley bearings and braking system designs.
The WGA is a promising new technology that has the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life for millions of people. With further development, the WGA could become the standard for fall prevention.