A portable, low-cost system for posturography: a platform for longitudinal balance telemetry

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Medical Technology
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• The Nintendo Wii Balance Board (WBB) is an accessible gaming device with force-sensing capabilities.
• Laboratory-grade forceplates are typically expensive and not widely available for widespread use.
• Posturography systems are crucial for assessing balance and detecting potential issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Nintendo Wii Balance Board (WBB) as a potential low-cost posturography system.
• To explore the WBB's suitability for measuring balance parameters compared to a laboratory-grade forceplate.
• To assess the WBB's application in portable, in-home, and longitudinal balance testing.

Main Methods:

• Custom software was developed to interface with the WBB for data acquisition.
• The Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB) was performed.
• Centre of pressure (COP) path length was the primary outcome measure, with comparisons made against an AMTI forceplate.

Main Results:

• WBB transducer evaluation showed excellent linearity (r = .994, p < .0001).
• Bland-Altman analysis indicated no systematic bias or relationship between WBB and forceplate measurements across tested conditions.
• The WBB demonstrated high reliability for balance assessment.

Conclusions:

• The Nintendo Wii Balance Board (WBB) is a valid and reliable tool for posturography.
• The WBB can be integrated into a portable, cost-effective system for balance assessment.
• This technology enables new possibilities for remote patient monitoring, longitudinal studies, and in-home balance testing.