Quantitative Romberg using a force plate: an objective measure for cervical myelopathy

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Surgical decisions for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) depend on symptom evaluation and physical exams.
• The standard Romberg test aids in identifying CSM-related balance issues but has subjective interpretation and binary results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare force plate pressure readings during a standard Romberg test in patients with CSM against age-matched healthy volunteers.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study compared CSM patients to healthy volunteers.
• Participants performed the Romberg test on a force plate measuring center of pressure (COP).
• Measurements included sway area, sway frequency, and sway speed with eyes open and closed.

Main Results:

• CSM patients exhibited significantly larger changes in quantitative Romberg measurements compared to healthy volunteers.
• Key differences were observed in maximum lateral movement, total lateral COP movement, total COP trace movement, sway area, and average speed (p < .05 for all).

Conclusions:

• Standing balance in CSM patients can be objectively quantified using force plate measurements.
• This quantitative Romberg test shows potential for diagnosing CSM, guiding management, and grading spinal pathology severity.