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Quantitative Autonomic Testing
Published on: July 19, 2011
A device to evaluate motor and autonomic impairment.
Jerrold S Petrofsky1, Everett Lohman, Trevor Lohman
1Department of Physical Therapy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA. jpetrofsky@llu.edu
Medical Engineering & Physics
|March 3, 2009
Summary
This study introduces a novel balance platform to measure somatic-autonomic interaction. Findings show increased sway and tremor with greater balance challenges, correlating with autonomic nervous system responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Physiology
Background:
- Existing devices assess autonomic or motor systems separately.
- No devices currently examine the interaction between somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a device for assessing somatic-autonomic interaction.
- To investigate how the nervous system responds to balance challenges.
Main Methods:
- A novel balance platform (0.7x0.7m) with strain gauge load cells was used.
- Subjects attempted to balance on the platform, which could pivot.
- Continuous blood pressure monitoring and ECG measured autonomic responses (heart rate variability).
Main Results:
- Increased balance challenge led to greater sway, tremor, and sway angle.
- Sway positively correlated with heart rate and negatively with blood pressure.
- Balance challenges significantly increased sympathetic activity but not parasympathetic activity.
Conclusions:
- The developed device effectively measures somatic-autonomic interaction during balance tasks.
- This tool has potential applications in assessing motor, sensory, and autonomic impairments.
