An ultrasonic-operated kinematic measurement system for assessment of stance balance in the clinic

Ruth Dickstein, N. Abulaffio, N. Gelernter, T. Pillar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This study describes the application of a kinematic measurement system based on ultrasonic technology to enable the assessment of stance balance in the clinic. The system is composed of 1-8 ultrasonic transducer markers which transmit ultrasonic waves, and three ultrasonic receivers. The spatial position of each marker is monitored by calculation of the time interval between transmission and reception of the wave. Sway data from the waist of 44 healthy subjects and 15 hemiparetic patients were collected during quiet stance. The results distinguished between data collected with and without vision, between patients and controls) and between the two sides of the body. The findings were found to be valid and reliable in repeated measurements. Relevance - Assessment of stance balance in the clinic is a requisite for quantifying disability and measuring improvement in patients with postural control deficits. Due to high costs and complexity of operation, the use of prevailing equipment for these purposes is mainly confined to research facilities. This paper describes a unique kinematic measurement system whose low price and ease of operation make it feasible for clinical use.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)173-175
Number of pages3
JournalClinical Biomechanics
Volume11
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1996
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Clinical use
  • Kinematics
  • Stance balance assessment
  • Ultrasonics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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