Design and Validation of a Low-Cost Portable Device to Quantify Postural Stability

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human Movement Science
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Center-of-pressure (COP) displacement measurement is crucial for assessing human balance and postural stability.
• Existing methods can be costly and lack portability, limiting widespread clinical and research application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a low-cost, portable device for assessing postural stability and human balance.
• To utilize Approximate Entropy (ApEn) of COP oscillations as an index for quantifying balance control.

Main Methods:

• A prototype force platform was constructed using load cells at four corners.
• Subjects stood on the platform for 30-second trials with eyes open and closed.
• COP displacement signals were recorded, and ApEn values were calculated.

Main Results:

• The device successfully detected increased regularity in postural control under visual deprivation (eyes closed).
• Subtle differences in anterior-posterior and medial-lateral postural control were identified.
• The prototype demonstrated capability in quantifying postural stability.

Conclusions:

• The developed low-cost portable device can effectively quantify postural stability.
• This technology offers a valuable tool for assessing conditions related to aging and pathologies affecting human balance.