MUNCIE, Ind. - Ball State University has opened a new research and assessment clinic to help area residents who suffer problems with balance.

The Biomechanics Clinic will assist local physicians in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of patients with balance problems associated with dizziness, vertigo, musculosketal disorders and neurological conditions.

"A person losing his or her balance is a major problem in this country because our population is getting older," said Robert Newton, clinic director and a researcher with Ball State's Human Performance Laboratory. "Older people are more susceptible to major injuries, such as a broken hip or arm, due to accidental spills."

"At the same time, young people may encounter problems with balance due to inner ear diseases or diabetes," he said. "The clinic attempts to identify why people have problems with their balance and then find treatments to help them."

The clinic, located on the second floor of the Health and Physical Activity Building, is capable of performing an analysis of complex human movement.

The clinic's centerpiece is the NeroCom Smart Balance Master, which is used to investigate balance dysfunction of the vestibular, somatosensory and visual systems, Newton said.

The clinic is a natural extension for the Human Performance Lab, which has been studying the effects of aging on humans for several decades, Newton said.

"This is a great opportunity for our students to study the population that they will work with after graduation," he said. "Our students will take the experience of working with older adults and apply it early in their careers."

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact the staff of the Biomechanics Clinic at bioclinic@bsu.edu or (765) 285-1140, or visit www.bsu.edu/biomch.)