Classification of Balance Assessment Technology: A Scoping Review of Systematic Reviews

Accurate assessment of postural balance is necessary to identify and measure falls risk, inform clinical practice, determine efficacy of treatment and ultimately falls prevention. The aim of this scoping review was to identify gaps and inform practice, research and policy. There are a multitude of technologies available for assessing balance and no one that meets the requirements of every situation. Force plates had provided the gold standard technology for measuring centre of pressure variables as the cornerstone of balance assessment. Inertial measurements units are now considered as valid and reliable, however inertial sensors in smartphone require further refinement to measure with the same degree of accuracy. Fusion systems combine wearable and non-wearable technology in formal gait labs but also gaming. The flexibility provided choice of wearable, non-wearable and fusion systems meets most clinical and research requirements.