A group of Stanford University students is developing a vibrating ankle brace
designed to assist elderly people in avoiding falls. 

The "smart" brace is fitted with a tiny chip that continuously monitors the
position of the wearer's ankle, CNN said. If the chip detects a roll greater
than normal, it vibrates, thereby sending a signal to the wearer's brain that
they must change the position of their foot or shift their balance in order
to avoid a fall.  

The students - Tim Ramsey, Ryan McDonnell, Buzzy Bonneau, Tejas Mazmudar,
Jeremy Dittmer, and Surag Mantri - told CNN they wanted to develop something
that would detect a body's position in relation to its surroundings -- a
sense that decreases as people age. They wanted their device to be more
discreet than current devices used to prevent falls, such as walkers and
canes.  

The students are participating in the California school's Biodesign
Innovation Program. Officials said the design is in its preliminary stages.  

Read the entire story at:
http://www.washtimes.com/upi/20050719-082624-4349r.htm
 
Links:

Brace may stop elderly falling
http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/07/18/spark.fall/

Graduate engineers design a 'smart' ankle brace to reduce falls of the elderly
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/news/pr/2005/pr-ankle-061505.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050616062949.htm

Contributed by Jamie Prioli