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The D+R Balance application: a novel method of assessing postural sway
C Yvon1, A Najuko-Mafemera1, R Kanegaonkar1
1Medway Maritime Hospital,Gillingham,UK.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|June 23, 2015
Summary
This study found an iPhone app can quantify postural sway, a key measure of balance. The D+R Balance app shows promise as an accessible alternative to traditional dynamic posturography systems.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Postural sway is clinically assessed via the Romberg test or quantified using dynamic posturography.
- The study explored a novel iPhone application for quantifying postural sway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of using a novel iPhone application for quantifying postural sway.
- To compare the app's performance against established methods.
Main Methods:
- Fifty healthy volunteers participated.
- Participants performed Romberg and tandem Romberg tests on varied surfaces (hard floor, foam) and environments (soundproofed, normal clinic rooms).
- Postural sway was recorded using the D+R Balance iPhone application; data were analyzed using paired t-tests.
Main Results:
- Increased postural sway was significantly observed with eyes closed in the tandem stance versus feet together.
- Greater sway occurred on foam compared to a hard floor, particularly in the tandem stance with eyes closed.
- The D+R Balance app successfully detected these variations in postural sway.
Conclusions:
- The iPhone D+R Balance application is a feasible tool for assessing postural sway.
- Further investigation is warranted to establish its role as an alternative to current dynamic posturography systems.
