| Advertisement |
|
|
Wichita State developed an app to measure people's balance. The initial application is to help determine whether athletes who have suffered concussions are okay to resume sports.
"It's so easy to carry around," Wichita State researcher Kimberly Fox says. "By just having an iPad or a smart phone you can test the person."
The developers say balance is direct indicator of head injuries. They say their app has proven to be just as reliable as balance measuring machines that cost several thousand dollars which few school can afford. Most doctors don't have them either.
The app could also be used to evaluate people suffering from other balance issues. It's not available to the public yet.
Staff at Wichita's East High will test girl's on the basketball team Thursday in order to get a baseline on them. That way if any of them suffer head injuries this season their balance can be compared before and after.
"This is a tremendous benefit for the safety of our students," said Jennifer Hudson, athletic director at East High School. "The balance test is just one more tool we can use to assure that our students are physically ready to get back in the game."
According to a press release put out by the Wichita School District, since it's involved in the pilot program it will be able to keep the software free of charge for years to come.