Determining level of postural control in young adults using force-sensing resistors

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Factors Engineering
• Rehabilitation Technology

Background:

• Postural control is crucial for stability and mobility.
• Assessing postural control often requires specialized equipment.
• Changes in postural control can indicate underlying health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a force-sensing platform (FSP) for evaluating human postural control.
• To assess the feasibility of using FSP for both static and dynamic balance testing.
• To provide both qualitative and quantitative measures of postural control.

Main Methods:

• Developed an FSP using force-sensing resistors.
• Implemented real-time qualitative assessment with a color scale for force concentration.
• Utilized postprocessing for quantitative measures, including postural sway and center of pressure distribution.
• Applied a fuzzy clustering algorithm to identify pressure concentration regions.
• Tested repeatability using one-way ANOVA.

Main Results:

• The FSP successfully measured postural control under various conditions (eyes open/closed).
• Data demonstrated repeatability, validating the platform's reliability.
• The platform effectively gauged postural sway and identified pressure distribution patterns.
• Qualitative and quantitative assessments of balance abilities were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed force-sensing platform is feasible for testing and gauging human postural control.
• The FSP offers a versatile tool for both immediate qualitative assessment and detailed quantitative analysis.
• Potential clinical applications include monitoring rehabilitation progress for stability dysfunctions.