University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) has officially joined the HealthTrust Europe Framework Agreement for Patient Mobility Products and has successfully fitted its first patient with the BalanceBelt - an innovative, wearable medical device designed to improve mobility and stability for individuals suffering from severe vestibular loss.
Approximately 196,000 people in the UK suffer from Bilateral Vestibular Loss, Unilateral Vestibular Loss, or Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD). The primary patient group affected includes those with severe bilateral vestibular loss, with a prevalence of 81 per 100,000 people. The economic burden per patient is estimated at £52,500 over their lifetime. However, with an ageing population, pressure on the healthcare system is set to rise further.
Currently, no effective treatment or cure exists. Patients face severe mobility challenges, increased fatigue, and a 31x higher risk of falls - often leading to loss of independence. NHS waiting times for treatment are typically a minimum of 18 weeks for consultant-led cases and even longer when multiple specialists are involved, while patients are typically offered physiotherapy, which has low adherence rates.
The BalanceBelt Solution
The BalanceBelt is a first-of-its-kind, clinically validated solution that enables individuals with severe balance disorders to regain independence and mobility.
Product highlights include:
- A discreet, lightweight, and comfortable belt fitted with motion sensors and vibration motors.
- Uses vibro-tactile technology to provide real-time balance feedback, guiding posture and orientation.
- CE Class 1 Medical Device, developed by Prof. Dr. H. Kingma (Maastricht University Medical Center) and manufactured in the Netherlands.
Clinical impact for patients:
- Significant improvement in balance and mobility, with scores increasing from 4.2 to 7.9 on a 10-point scale.
- Extremely high therapy adherence of 92% after two years.
Cost Benefits
- The BalanceBelt reduces annual healthcare costs by up to 85% compared to the estimated $13,000 (£10,300) annual economic burden of a typical Bilateral Vestibular Loss (BVL) patient.
Research has demonstrated that the BalanceBelt significantly improves mobility and balance, with patient-reported outcomes indicating high satisfaction and substantial benefits in daily life.
The published papers are accessible below:
Dr. Diego Kaski, Consultant Neurologist at UCLH, commented: "Joining the HealthTrust Europe Framework Agreement enables us to integrate innovative solutions like the BalanceBelt into our clinical offerings when trials show positive outcomes. The successful fitting of our first patient highlights our commitment to advancing patient care through medical technology."
Merijn Klarenbeek, CEO of BalanceBelt, added: "NHS Foundation Trust hospitals are a key focus for BalanceBelt, as approximately 196,000 patients in the UK with balance and mobility issues could benefit from our solution. We are eager to collaborate with ENT specialists, neurologists, audio-vestibular physicians and vestibular physiotherapists to offer effective treatment for their patients."
For more information, visit: info@balancebelt.net
