Quantification of postural sway patterns in tardive dyskinesia

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomechanics
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements.
• Developmental disability can affect motor control and coordination.
• Understanding postural control in these populations is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare postural center of pressure (COP) patterns in individuals with TD and/or developmental disability during quiet standing.
• To differentiate postural sway characteristics between groups with TD, developmental disability, both, and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Force platform measurements were used to record COP displacements (lateral, vertical, anterior-posterior).
• Postural patterns were analyzed and compared across four groups: TD with developmental disability, developmental disability only, TD only, and healthy controls.

Main Results:

• Individuals with both TD and developmental disability showed a significantly different COP orientation and variability compared to other groups.
• The TD with developmental disability group exhibited a more prominent lateral COP orientation, unlike the anterior-posterior orientation in the other three groups.
• Reduced variability in COP orientation was observed in the TD with developmental disability group, indicating more regular sway.

Conclusions:

• Postural COP profile orientation and variability can serve as valuable indicators for investigating TD.
• These postural assessments may help distinguish between developmental disability and TD, particularly when co-occurring.