5. Application of kinetic analysis

1. Dynamic computer posturography
Quantitative method of balance examination during ADL. The tested situations are designed to:
  • isolated sensory, motor, biomechanical components involved in balance
  • analyzed how the patient is able to use these components to maintain balance
According to the data from the force platform, the amplitude, speed, direction, trajectory of the COP deflection and the magnitude of the force pulses during the automatic (reflexes) or voluntary reactions are evaluated. The resulting values ​​of individual tested situations are usually expressed with respect to the patient's height, weight or age.

Thanks to this testing, it is possible to find out which postural control system is insufficient.

The posturograph consists of two modules, differing in size and use of force platforms:

  • Smart Equitest System - a dual movable force strain gauge platform is built in here
  • Balance Master System - a dual static strain gauge platform (larger) is built in here
Both platforms contain 5 sensors: 4 force sensors are located one in each quadrant of the platform, 1 is at the junction of both platforms. The platform sensors sense the reaction force, its vertical component is processed by the posturograph software and the COP position is determined

1.1 Smart Equitest System (part of dynamic posturography)
It evaluates the effectiveness of postural stabilization in an upright bipedal position under predefined conditions (ability to adapt to altered sensory inputs, effectiveness of automatic postural reactions, ability to freely control the movement of the center of gravity, in a predefined direction).
The main components are a movable power platform and a movable cabin.

Partial tests in Smart Equitest system are

Sensory Organization Test - examination of the effectiveness of standing stabilization depending on the change of sensory perceptions to determine the proportion of visual, vestibular, somatosensory system in an upright bipedal position (open / closed eyes, fixed / movable cabin, fixed / movable pad).

Motor Control Test - evaluation of the effectiveness of automatic postural responses to platform translations (horizontally) depending on the speed and direction of translation

Adaptation Test - evaluation of the adaptation of the locomotor system to an unexpected stimulus (rotational movement of the platform)

Weight Bearing Squat - evaluates the symmetry of weight distribution during free lowering of the body's center of gravity (squat). With increasing flexion in the knee, the pressure on the knee and ankle joints increases - better detection of the difference in body weight distribution than in normal standing

Unilateral Stance - assessment of postural stability while standing on one lower limb

Limits of Stability - evaluation of the ability to actively change the position of the COG in a predefined direction by inclination of the body and maintain the maximum achieved without changing the support base

Rhythmic Weight Shift - evaluation of balance quality during weight transfer latero / laterally and antero / posterior, ability to freely control COG based on visual feedback under predefined conditions, ability to quickly change movement and adapt to the speed of movement of the stimulus

1.2. Balance Master System module
It differs from the previous one in the ability to quantify aspects of postural control during free functional movements requiring movement on a mat (walking, walking in tandem, crossing a step, lunging forward)

Testing takes place similarly to the previous module, with the difference that the tested person cannot be secured in a safety vest and there is no possibility of a movable cabin and platform.

Modified Sensory Organization Test - modification of the previous one, performed standing on a flat surface or foam, with eyes open / closed.

Sit to Stand - the test quantifies the character of the course of movement during getting up from sitting to standing.

Walk Across - evaluation of walking speed, step width and symmetry (values ​​are indicative)

Tandem Walk - Evaluation of postural stabilization while walking on a narrowed support base

Step / Qick Turn - evaluation of the ability to turn 180 °, the turn is preceded by two steps forward and followed by two steps back to the starting position

Step Up / Over - evaluation of movement control during the transition over the step

Forward Lunge - evaluation of movement control during a forward lunge