Validating a low-cost, consumer force-measuring platform as an accessible alternative for measuring postural sway.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Medical Devices
• Human Movement Analysis

Background:

• Postural stability is crucial for preventing falls and assessing neurological conditions.
• Objective measurement of postural sway typically relies on expensive laboratory-grade force platforms (LFPs).
• The Zibrio SmartScale offers a portable, low-cost solution for postural stability assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the center of pressure (COP) measurements of the Zibrio SmartScale.
• To compare the Zibrio SmartScale's COP data against a laboratory-grade force platform (LFP).

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous COP data collection using a Zibrio SmartScale and an LFP.
• An inverted pendulum device mimicked human sway, displaced at 3° and 5° in anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions.
• The Zibrio SmartScale was placed atop the LFP, with the pendulum on the SmartScale.

Main Results:

• Low mean average error (MAE) observed between Zibrio SmartScale and LFP measurements.
• MAE did not exceed 0.5 mm, representing only 0.4% of the total COP range.
• No significant difference in error was found between AP and ML COP directions.

Conclusions:

• The Zibrio SmartScale demonstrates adequate performance for COP measurement.
• It serves as a viable, lightweight, and cost-effective alternative to traditional LFPs.
• This validates its utility in objective postural stability assessments.