Power spectral density in balance assessment. Description of methodology

One of the methods used in clinical setting to assess the balance function is the measurement of the centre of pressure trajectory (COP). The COP trajectory is strongly dependent on the body centre of mass trajectory (COM), but in case of balance problems the corrective signals influence this dependence. The aim of the present study is to explore the possibility of using power spectral density function of the COP vs. COM signal in assessing the amount of correction signals. As the aim was a methodological one, only one healthy adult subject participated in the study. This subject performed five balance tasks of increasing difficulty. The COP trajectory was recorded using the Kistler force plate, and COM trajectory was calculated based on the marker trajectories placed on the subject's body and simultaneously recorded with VICON 460 system. The COM data were subtracted from COP trajectory in anteroposterior (AP) and lateral direction. Next the power spectral density (PSD) was calculated for the new signals. The power spectral density is very low for easiest condition, but increases with the difficulty of task. Moreover, it also provides information in which plane (sagittal or frontal) more correction movements are needed to maintain stability.