Analysis
The MediBalance Pro software objectively measures balance and coordination with eyes open and closed, as well as with and without a thick foam pad that increases instability. The Analysis Module displays the recorded data in a variety of graphical charts, as well as in a Data Table which lists key data values.
Recording progression This is the starting point for analysis which shows the person’s actual movement across the platform over time. It displays the pattern of movement while “standing still” on the platform. Shift in movement or posture, i.e. an imbalance to one side or between front and back, can easily be detected here.
Risk of Tumbling Assessment Describes the person’s potential risk of tumbling by taking into account several parameters and then combining them using a complex algorithm. Specific anomalies in the four measurements taken are included in this analysis. One example is the change in between area under the curve for measurements 4 and 2 in comparison.
Romberg Ratio The Romberg Ratio in quiet stance posturography is a well published parameter to assess postural control. It is a neurological procedure to determine deviations in balance and coordination in the cerebellar, spinal or vestibular systems. The test is “positive” if a significant falling trend or sway is detected when measuring with eyes closed. It analyses the area under the curve with eyes closed divided by the area under the curve with eyes open.
Sway Analysis Overall graphical analysis displaying parameters such as average and maximum sway vertically and horizontally, as well as the calculated center of mass. The more the center of mass deviates from the cross hair, the more the person is off balance. Typically, a graph should show a front to back movement. If more left-right movement appears, this can also be an indicator for non-optimal posture.
Sway Progression The sway progression shows the changes in movement intensity over time. The greater the movement change on the platform, the greater is the graphical bar on the screen. Peaks/spikes can be indications of abrupt changes and hence an indication for posture instabilities.
Density Analysis This function provides a graphical representation of the center of mass. All movement during the recording is used to create a visual representation of the center of mass. The more the center of mass remains in one spot, the more the color changes in that area of the graph. Starting with dark blue the signal color changes to green, yellow and eventually red. Typically, one center of mass is indicated by the color change. Multiple such sites indicate that there is no one center of mass.
Area Analysis The area analysis is the basis for the Romberg Ratio analysis. It defines the area under the curve for the measure taken. It is very similar to the recording progression, only that the corresponding area is being calculated instead of simply displaying the actual client movement.
Symmetry Analysis The symmetry analysis describes horizontal and vertical deviations over time. The green graph displays the vertical recording progression (front/back) while the blue graph displays horizontal progression (left/right).
DATA TABLE In addition to charts which graphically display analysis information, there is also a Data Table which lists key data values.
Number of Measuring Points Describes the density of measurement. The more items over time, the more precise the signal and measurement.
Sensitivity Standard setting is 24, but can be adjusted to be more or less sensitive.
Way Length (horizontally, vertically, total) Describes the distance covered moving on the platform from the center of mass to the next measuring point, front/back, left/right and total. This is distance covered and not the pure sway.
Average Distance (horizontally, vertically, total) Defines the actual distance from the cross hair center to the change in postural movement, i.e. moving forward or backward leads to x cm / y inches deviation. While the Way Length describes the absolute extreme values, the Average Distance lists the average values. So, the Way Length describes the most extreme values, while Average Distance shows the score averaged over time.
Average Velocity This is a calculation of movement over time. The greater the velocity the greater the speed of the sway.
Center of Mass Displays the postural center in comparison to the cross hair. The red dot represents the person’s actual position. The Center of Mass is the relation to the actual center of the cross hair. If too much weight on the left foot, then the Center of Mass will be shifted to the left. That origin is important for the other parameters such as weight length and distance. It also is an indicator for postural abnormalities.
Sway Values The following key measures of sway are provided:
- Average Sway Radius
- Average Horizontal Sway
- Average Vertical Sway
- Maximum Sway Radius
- Maximum Horizontal Sway
- Maximum Vertical Sway
Area This is the value calculated by an algorithm for the total area covered moving front and back and left and right. The greater the sway front/back and left/right the greater the Area which is an indicator for abnormal balance issues.