B-Shoe Footwear Helps Seniors Maintain Balance, Avoid Falls

HAIFA, Israel, Dec. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Every year, one out of three people age 65 and over falls, often resulting in injuries and even death. Although elderly are recommended to use walking aids such as canes or walkers, they refuse to use them since they symbolize weakness and dependency.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131219/PH35875-a)
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131219/PH35875-b)

People usually regain balance by moving a leg backward ("backward step"), thus increasing the base of support. However, due to deterioration of balance functions and reflexes in the elderly, the backward step is taken too late, too slow and inaccurately, which leads to a fall.

B-Shoe is a standard-looking walking shoe that detects when an elderly person is losing balance and is about to fall. It then automatically drives one leg slightly backwards to prevent the dangerous fall. Using ultra-light components, B-Shoe's balancing mechanism incorporates:

• Insole pressure sensors;
• Driving mechanism;
• Rechargeable battery;
• Microprocessor and
• Proprietary smart algorithms.

To aid it achieve all of the above and more, the company launched a crowd funding project at www.igg.me/at/B-Shoe, whose contributions will help fully develop B-Shoe's products.

About B-Shoe
Established in 2011 by a team of experienced engineers and physicians in the fields of orthopedics and neurology, the company was able to achieve several milestones to date, including developing prototypes and conducting verification/validation testing in a Gait Laboratory with excellent results.  

For more information, please contact:
Mr. Aharon (Arale) Shapira
Co-founder, B-Shoe Technologies Ltd.
Email
Phone: +972-(0)505-824-422
Website: www.b-shoe.com

Read more news from B-Shoe.

SOURCE B-Shoe