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Measurement on Tinetti test: instrumentation and procedures
R Lombardi1, A Buizza, R Gandolfi
1Dipartimento di Informatica e Sistemistica, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Summary
This study introduces a simple, cost-effective system using inclinometers to measure trunk movement during balance tests. Preliminary findings show it can differentiate normal from abnormal balance performance.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Medical Instrumentation
- Rehabilitation Engineering
Background:
- Balance assessment is crucial for evaluating fall risk and mobility.
- The Tinetti test (TT) is a widely used performance-oriented assessment for balance.
- Objective quantification of trunk movement during balance tests is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel measurement system and signal processing procedures for quantifying performance in the Tinetti test (TT).
- To develop a user-friendly, cost-effective system for balance assessment.
- To explore the potential of morphological parameters in discriminating normal from abnormal balance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two inclinometers to measure trunk inclination in orthogonal planes.
- Acquired transducer signals via a PC with an A/DC board.
- Processed signals to compute morphological parameters characterizing trunk movement during TT maneuvers.
Main Results:
- The system is simple, affordable, and non-invasive.
- Preliminary measurements on healthy individuals and patients demonstrated system viability.
- Morphological parameters showed potential for distinguishing normal from abnormal balance performance.
Conclusions:
- The described measurement system offers a practical approach for objective balance assessment.
- The computed morphological parameters may serve as reliable indicators of balance deficits.
- The system's adaptability allows for application in other performance tests involving trunk movement.