Novel method for mitigation of body sway and preliminary results for tandem standing

This paper explains and discusses a novel method called virtual light touch contact (VLTC), which helps to mitigate postural sway of the human body. The method involves setting a virtual partition around the user and estimating the virtual force caused when the user touches it. A prototype system was developed using motion-capture technology and a tactile stimulator, and preliminary experiments involving a young healthy subject were conducted. In the experiments, the subject was asked to retain a tandem (heel-to-toe) stance with his eyes closed, and the results indicate that the average RMS for VLTC was significantly lower than those for normal tandem standing. This result suggests that the effects of LTC can be achieved using the VLTC method for mitigation of body sway.