Evaluating Visual Dependence in Postural Stability Using Smartphone and Stroboscopic Glasses
Brent A Harper1, Michael Shiraishi1, Rahul Soangra1,2
1Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA.
Electronics
|June 19, 2025
Summary
This study shows that smartphone apps can monitor athletes' postural control cost-effectively. While less accurate than force plates, they offer a promising tool for assessing balance with stroboscopic glasses simulating visual impairments.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Human Movement Analysis
Background:
- Athletes often rely heavily on visual input for balance, making them susceptible to injuries affecting this reliance.
- Visual perturbation methods, like stroboscopic glasses, can simulate visual impairments to assess postural stability.
- Traditional force plate technology for postural control assessment is expensive and less accessible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of integrating stroboscopic glasses with smartphone applications for assessing postural control.
- To compare the cost-effectiveness and accuracy of smartphone-based measurements against traditional force plate technology.
- To investigate how visual conditions impact postural sway and an individual's reliance on visual information for balance.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed postural tasks under full vision, stroboscopic occlusion, and eyes-closed conditions on unstable foam surfaces.
- Postural sway was measured using both smartphone applications and traditional force plates.
- Key postural parameters including sway range, root mean square, ellipse area, velocity, and dominant frequency were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Force plates demonstrated higher sensitivity to visual conditions, detecting significant postural parameter changes.
- Smartphone-based measurements showed promise as a cost-effective alternative but lacked the accuracy of force plates in detecting subtle changes.
- Stroboscopic glasses effectively simulated visual impairments, enabling precise evaluation of balance under perturbed conditions.
Conclusions:
- Smartphone applications integrated with stroboscopic glasses offer a viable, cost-effective method for routine postural control monitoring in sports.
- While not as precise as force plates, smartphones provide valuable insights into balance under simulated visual deficits.
- This approach enhances the assessment of athletes' reliance on visual input for maintaining stability.
