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Accuracy of centre of pressure measurement using a piezoelectric force platform
J Middleton1, P Sinclair, R Patton
1Moorong Spinal Unit, Royal Rehabilitation Centre, Ryde, Sydney NSW 1680, Australia.
Objective:
To evaluate the accuracy in determining centre of pressure when using a force platform for stabilometry research.
Design:
Technical report.
Background:
Previous studies have determined the accuracy of locating the centre of pressure by applying force through a single point. In human stabilometry research however, force is distributed across two feet and the centre of pressure located between the feet.
Methods:
Forces were applied to a Kistler force platform using a force applied through a single point as well as when force was distributed between two metal blocks.
Results:
Errors in calculating centre of pressure were substantially larger when force was applied through a single point than when the force was distributed between two blocks.
Conclusions:
Evaluating centre of pressure accuracy by applying force through a single point overestimates the errors inherent in human stabilometry research.
Relevance:
Evaluating changes in the centre of pressure of human subjects standing on a force platform is a common tool for evaluating control mechanisms of balance. Accurate information regarding the centre of pressure is essential for the validity of this research.