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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Postural Organization of Gait Initiation for Biomechanical Analysis Using Force Platform Recordings
Published on: July 26, 2022
Sampling duration effects on centre of pressure descriptive measures.
Herman van der Kooij1, Adam D Campbell, Mark G Carpenter
1Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands; Department of Biomechanical Engineering, 3ME faculty, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 Delft, The Netherlands. H.vanderKooij@utwente.nl
Postural sway measures are sensitive to sampling duration, leading to inconsistent study comparisons. Standardizing sampling duration and other parameters is crucial for reliable postural sway research.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Postural sway analysis is vital for assessing balance and neurological conditions.
- Current research lacks standardized methods for measuring postural sway, particularly regarding sampling duration.
- This variability hinders the reliable comparison of findings across different studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sampling duration on various postural sway measures.
- To identify which postural sway metrics are most affected by sampling duration.
- To provide recommendations for standardizing measurement protocols in postural sway research.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 22 frequency and time domain measures and stabilogram diffusion coefficients.
- Utilized data from participants standing quietly on a forceplate for two 600-second trials.
- Included conditions with eyes open and eyes closed to assess sensory influence.
Main Results:
- The amplitudes of most descriptive postural sway measures were significantly sensitive to sampling duration.
- Measures quantifying the amount of sway showed sensitivity to the eyes open versus eyes closed conditions.
- Filter settings, sampling frequency, and fitting windows also influence measure magnitudes.
Conclusions:
- Sampling duration is a critical factor affecting postural sway measure reliability.
- Standardization of sampling duration, filter settings, and other parameters is essential.
- Implementing standardized protocols will improve the comparability and validity of postural sway research.
