Development and validation of a clinic based balance assessment technology

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomechanics
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Falls in older adults represent a significant global health challenge with substantial societal costs.
• Impaired balance and postural control are key indicators of fall risk in the elderly population.
• Current gold-standard balance assessment using force plates is costly, immobile, and requires expert operation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity and reliability of a novel portable balance measurement system.
• To compare the performance of the portable system against a laboratory-grade force plate.
• To determine the potential of portable technology for accessible quantitative balance assessment.

Main Methods:

• Two participants (1 male, 1 female) completed 16 balance trials each, with eyes open and closed conditions.
• Simultaneous data collection using a portable pressure sensor platform and a laboratory force platform.
• Comparison of standard center of pressure (COP) metrics between the two measurement modalities.

Main Results:

• High levels of agreement were observed between the portable device and the force plate.
• Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean percentage error (MPE) indicated strong concordance.
• The portable system demonstrated reliability comparable to the established force plate method.

Conclusions:

• The portable quantitative balance measurement technology is a valid and reliable tool for assessing balance.
• This innovation offers a cost-effective and accessible alternative to traditional force plates for clinical use.
• The findings support the use of portable technology to improve the assessment of fall risk in the elderly.