Posturography: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:11, 21 February 2025

A method to assess balance and postural control

Posturography is a technique used to quantify postural control in upright stance in either static or dynamic conditions. It is commonly used in clinical settings to assess balance disorders and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for such conditions.

Overview[edit]

Posturography involves the use of a force platform to measure the forces exerted by the feet on the ground. These measurements are used to calculate the center of pressure (COP), which provides information about the body's sway and balance.

Types of Posturography[edit]

There are several types of posturography, each with its own specific applications and methodologies.

Static Posturography[edit]

Static posturography measures the body's sway while the subject stands still on a platform. It is used to assess the ability to maintain balance without any external perturbations.

Dynamic Posturography[edit]

Dynamic posturography involves assessing balance while the subject is subjected to controlled movements or perturbations. This can include moving the platform or providing visual or auditory stimuli.

Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)[edit]

Diagram of an Equitest system used in computerized dynamic posturography

CDP is a sophisticated form of dynamic posturography that uses a computerized system to control the platform and stimuli. The Equitest system is a common example of CDP equipment.

Applications[edit]

Posturography is used in various clinical and research settings to assess balance and postural control. It is particularly useful in diagnosing and managing conditions such as:

Sensory Analysis[edit]

Posturography can also be used to perform sensory analysis, which evaluates how different sensory inputs (visual, vestibular, and somatosensory) contribute to balance. This is often done using the Equitest system, which can isolate and test each sensory component.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Posturography''' is a comprehensive term that refers to a group of tests used to quantify and assess an individual's ability to maintain [[balance]]. This technique is instrumental in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect balance, such as [[vestibular disorders]], [[neurological disorders]], and musculoskeletal problems. Posturography tests can be static, where the subject maintains a standing position, or dynamic, involving movements and responses to stimuli.
+{{Short description|A method to assess balance and postural control}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
+'''Posturography''' is a technique used to quantify postural control in upright stance in either static or dynamic conditions. It is commonly used in clinical settings to assess balance disorders and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for such conditions.
+==Overview==
+Posturography involves the use of a force platform to measure the forces exerted by the feet on the ground. These measurements are used to calculate the center of pressure (COP), which provides information about the body's sway and balance.
 ==Types of Posturography==
-There are primarily two types of posturography: Static Posturography and Dynamic Posturography.
+There are several types of posturography, each with its own specific applications and methodologies.
 ===Static Posturography===
-Static posturography involves measuring the body's sway while the individual stands on a fixed platform. Sensors in the platform record the shifts in weight and body sway as the person tries to maintain a stable position. This type of posturography is useful for assessing an individual's ability to maintain balance under static conditions.
+Static posturography measures the body's sway while the subject stands still on a platform. It is used to assess the ability to maintain balance without any external perturbations.
 ===Dynamic Posturography===
-Dynamic posturography, on the other hand, involves a moving platform and, sometimes, a surrounding visual environment that also moves. This type of test challenges the individual's balance and postural adjustments by introducing changes in the base of support or visual and vestibular inputs. It is more indicative of how an individual will perform in real-world situations where the conditions affecting balance are constantly changing.
+Dynamic posturography involves assessing balance while the subject is subjected to controlled movements or perturbations. This can include moving the platform or providing visual or auditory stimuli.
-==Applications of Posturography==
-Posturography is used in various medical fields, including [[neurology]], [[otolaryngology]], and [[physical therapy]]. Its applications include:
-* Diagnosing the cause of balance disorders
+===Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)===
-* Evaluating the effectiveness of treatment interventions for balance disorders
+[[File:Equitest.svg|thumb|right|Diagram of an Equitest system used in computerized dynamic posturography]]
-* Assessing the risk of falls in elderly patients
+CDP is a sophisticated form of dynamic posturography that uses a computerized system to control the platform and stimuli. The Equitest system is a common example of CDP equipment.
-* Researching the control of posture and balance in humans
-==Procedure==
+==Applications==
-During a posturography test, the individual may be asked to stand on a platform with their eyes open or closed, and in some cases, the platform or the surrounding environment will move. The test can include various conditions to challenge the individual's balance, such as standing on one leg, having a foam pad underfoot, or responding to visual or auditory stimuli.
+Posturography is used in various clinical and research settings to assess balance and postural control. It is particularly useful in diagnosing and managing conditions such as:
-==Interpretation of Results==
+* [[Vestibular disorders]]
-The results from posturography tests are analyzed to understand the individual's balance performance. Parameters such as the center of pressure (COP) displacement, sway velocity, and the area of sway can provide insight into the person's ability to maintain balance. Abnormal results may indicate issues with the vestibular system, proprioception, or visual input affecting balance.
+* [[Neurological disorders]]
+* [[Musculoskeletal disorders]]
-==Limitations==
+==Sensory Analysis==
-While posturography is a valuable tool in assessing balance, it has its limitations. The test conditions may not replicate all real-life scenarios, and individuals may perform differently outside the test environment. Additionally, the interpretation of results can be complex and requires expertise in balance disorders.
+[[File:Sensory_analysis_equitest.png|thumb|left|Sensory analysis using the Equitest system]]
+Posturography can also be used to perform sensory analysis, which evaluates how different sensory inputs (visual, vestibular, and somatosensory) contribute to balance. This is often done using the Equitest system, which can isolate and test each sensory component.
-==Conclusion==
+==Related pages==
-Posturography is a critical diagnostic tool in understanding and treating balance disorders. By providing detailed information on an individual's ability to maintain balance, it helps in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and evaluation of outcomes for patients with balance issues.
+* [[Balance disorder]]
+* [[Vestibular system]]
+* [[Proprioception]]
 [[Category:Medical tests]]
 [[Category:Neurology]]
-[[Category:Otolaryngology]]
 [[Category:Physical therapy]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}
-<gallery>
-File:Posturography Equitest.svg|Posturography Equitest
-File:Sensory_analysis_equitest.png|Sensory analysis equitest
-</gallery>