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Published on: May 12, 2016
Postural sway parameters using a triaxial accelerometer: comparing elderly and young healthy adults
Rigoberto Martinez-Mendez1, Masaki Sekine, Toshiyo Tamura
1Department of Medical System Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi 263-8522, Japan. rigo@graduate.chiba-u.jp
Summary
Accelerometry effectively detects age-related changes in balance during quiet standing. This method offers improved performance over force platforms for evaluating postural sway.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
- Signal Processing
Background:
- Postural sway assessment is crucial for understanding balance.
- Traditional methods like force platforms have limitations.
- Accelerometry offers a potential alternative for measuring postural control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate accelerometry's sensitivity in detecting age and visual condition effects on quiet standing balance.
- To identify and minimize sources of variability in trunk accelerometry measures.
- To compare accelerometry performance with force platform-based assessments.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 16 acceleration-derived parameters (e.g., fractal dimensions, power spectrum) in 27 healthy subjects (11 young, 16 elderly).
- Evaluation under open-eye and closed-eye conditions.
- Application of signal processing techniques to reduce measurement variability.
Main Results:
- Numerous sub-parameters (up to 37) detected significant age-related differences in postural sway.
- Accelerometry identified age effects under both open-eye and closed-eye conditions.
- The study demonstrated superior performance compared to previous force platform studies.
Conclusions:
- Accelerometry is a sensitive tool for quantifying age-related changes in postural balance.
- Signal processing enhances the reliability of accelerometry for balance assessment.
- This approach provides valuable data for researchers studying postural control.
