Today in Bilbao we spent most of the morning learning about balance and the different factors that affect it including neurological, muscular, visual, and vestibular systems. We also learned about concepts such as such as base of support, center of mass, and center of pressure, and how these factors are used to evaluate a patient’s stability. Mikel explained how traditional balance tests such as the Berg Balance Test can be subjective, so they developed the Oreka-Balance project to create a more quantitative way to measure balance. We even tried some of the clinical balance tests ourselves, including completing tasks blindfolded, which made balancing more difficult.

Afterward, we visited the lab to see the newest version of the Oreka-Balance machine. Unlike the earlier version we saw at the hospital, the updated design uses 2 separate moving platforms so each foot can respond independently. We got to test the machine ourselves and hear about the clinical and engineering process behind its development. Later, we toured the university’s rocket club and saw different rocket prototypes, materials, and workshops which was really interesting.

In the afternoon, we toured the San Mamés Stadium, home to Bilbao’s athletic club. We explored the field, locker rooms, press room, and museum while learning about the club’s history and importance to the city. We ended the evening in Casco Viejo with souvenir shopping, gelato, and pintxos for dinner.