Physio acoustic mattress to enhance the wellbeing of dementia patients
The pilot team sought to evaluate a physio acoustic technology for the purpose of alleviating symptoms in individuals with dementia and subsequently publishing scholarly articles based on the findings of the pilot study. This multidisciplinary team, composed of scientists and entrepreneurs, engineered a bed-mounted mattress employing low-frequency vibration with the aim of enhancing patient well-being.
The solution is based on scientific research demonstrating that low-frequency acoustic vibration can affect bodily fluids, which can help alleviate some health conditions. The vibration is also proven to lower stress and improve circulation, with promising results for further benefits like reducing inflammation and mitigating secondary infections in COVID patients.
The original plan was to validate the radio wave technology and treatment concept through a real-life experiment in collaboration with Kustaankartano Senior Centre and its clients who had dementia. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays, limiting component availability and closing Kustaankartano to external visitors, which significantly hindered both prototype development and the piloting process. Despite this, two prototypes of the physio acoustic mattresses were produced and presented to the care staff, who assessed their functionality. Client testing was ultimately not feasible.
Unfortunately, because the real-life experiment was not conducted due to COVID-19 related challenges, there were no grounds to write any clinical research articles. Further development of the physio acoustic mattresses was also impossible due to the lack of client feedback and a shortage of funding. The pilot team is currently seeking additional funding to complete the development of the mattresses and gather the necessary data for publication.