Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy-An International Journal

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access
Open Access Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Restricted Access Subscription Access

Standing Balance: Quantification and the Impact of Visual Sensory Input


Affiliations
1 Yoga consultant for Indian cricket team and the National Cricket Academy, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
2 Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
     

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


Aims

This experiment aims at quantifying the standing balance of subjects using Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and to estimate the importance of visual sensory input for balance and stability of subjects.

Methods

A Total of 24 subjects participated in the tests. Mean age of the participated subjects is 44±20 years. In this work, we propose a system consisting of an IMU, a wobble board and a motion display system for real-time visual feedback for standing balance measurement. The standing balance is measured for two experimental conditions; with real time visual feedback and without visual feedback along the sagittal plane and the coronal plane. The display unit gives the real time orientation of the wobble board, based on which the subject applies necessary corrective forces to maintain neutral position. This helps in estimating the importance of visual sensory input for balance and stability of each subject. The subject is made to stand on the wobble board and the angular orientation of the wobble board is recorded for every 0.1 second time interval. The signal is analyzed using discrete Fourier transform. We quantify balance and stability using power spectral density.

Results&conclusions

The subjects have better stability with real-time visual feedback as compared to stability without feedback along both the plane. This methodology is extremely useful in quantifying the standing balance of a subject, based on which, suitable physical therapy/ exercises can be suggested to the subject. The technique of visual feedback helps in enhancing the stability and can play crucial role in sports rehabilitation and geriatrics.


Keywords

Balance, Stability, Vision, Power Spectral Density, Display Unit, Inertial Measurement Unit
Subscription Login to verify subscription
User
Notifications
Font Size


  • Black se, Maki be, Fernie gr. Aging, imbalance and falls. In: sharp ja, barber ho, eds. The vestibulo-ocular reflex and vertigo. New york: raven press, 1993, 317–35.

  • McGuine, TA, Greene JJ, Best T, Leverson G. (2000) Balance as a Predictor of Ankle Injuries in High School Basketball Players. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, 2000 October, 10:239-244.

  • Shumway-Cook, A., & Woollacott, M. H. Motor control: Theory and practical applications. Baltimore, MD: Williams and Wilkins; 2001.

  • Edwards AS. Body-sway and vision. J Exp Psychol 1946;36:526– 35.

  • Henriksson NG, Johansson G, Olsson LG, Ostlund H. Electric analysis of the Romberg test. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh)1966;224(Suppl):272–9.

  • Travis RC. An experimental analysis of dynamic and static equilibrium. J Exp Psychol 1945;35:216–34.

  • Pereira LM. Spatial concepts and balance performance: motor learning in blind and visually impaired children. J Vis Impair Blin 1990;84(3):109–17.

  • Rosen S. Kinesiology and sensorimotor function. In: Blasch B, Wiener WR, Welch RL, editors. Foundations of orientation and mobility. 2nd ed., New York: American Foundation for the Blind; 1997. p. 456–82.

  • Spirduso W. Aging and motor control. In: Lamb DR, Gisolfi CV, Nadel E, editors. Exercise and older adults. Carmel, IN: Cooper Publishers; 1995. p. 58–9.

  • Bouchard D, Tetreault S. The motor development of sighted children and children with moderate low vision aged 8–13. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, v94 n9 p564-73 Sep 2000

  • Judge JO, King MB, Whipple R, Olive J, Wolfsan LI. Dynamic balance in older persons: effect of reduced visual and proprioceptive input. J Gerontol 1995;50:263–70.

  • Weigelt JA. Trauma. In: Advanced Trauma Life Supportfor Doctors: ATLS. 6th ed. Chicago: American College of Surgeons, 1997, 26.

  • King MB, Tinetti ME. A multifactorial approach to reducing injurious falls. Clin Geriatr Med 1996; 12: 745–59.

  • Berg KO. Balance and its measure in the elderly: a review. Physiother Can 1989; 41: 240–6.

  • Mahoney JE. Immobility and falls. Clin Geriatr Med1998; 14: 699–726.

  • Brill PA, Macera CA, Davis DR, Blair SN, Gordon N. Muscular strength and physical function. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000;32:412–6.

  • Gauchard GC, Jeandel C, Tessier A, Perrin PP. Beneficial effect of proprioceptive physical activities on balance control in elderly human subjects. Neuroscience Letters, Volume 273, Issue 2, 1 October 1999, Pages 81-84.

  • Ge wu, Real-time feedback of body center of gravity for postural training of elderly patients with peripheral neuropathy. IEEE transactions on rehabilitation engineering, 1999, vol. 5, 399-402

  • Victoria m. Clark, Adrian m. Burden. A 4-week wobble board exercise program improved muscle onset latency and perceived stability in individuals with a functionally unstable ankle. Physical therapy in sport 6 (2005) 181–187.

  • Steven w. Smith, The scientist and engineer’s guide to digital signal processing. Newnes: Demystifying Technology Series; 1997.

  • Tinetti me, Speechley m, Ginter sf. Risk factors for falls among elderly persons living in the community. The New England journal of medicine 1988; 319:1701–7.


Abstract Views: 382

PDF Views: 0




  • Standing Balance: Quantification and the Impact of Visual Sensory Input

Abstract Views: 382  |  PDF Views: 0

Authors

S. N. Omkar
Yoga consultant for Indian cricket team and the National Cricket Academy, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
D. K. Ganesh
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Kiran P. Kulkarni
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Abstract


Aims

This experiment aims at quantifying the standing balance of subjects using Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and to estimate the importance of visual sensory input for balance and stability of subjects.

Methods

A Total of 24 subjects participated in the tests. Mean age of the participated subjects is 44±20 years. In this work, we propose a system consisting of an IMU, a wobble board and a motion display system for real-time visual feedback for standing balance measurement. The standing balance is measured for two experimental conditions; with real time visual feedback and without visual feedback along the sagittal plane and the coronal plane. The display unit gives the real time orientation of the wobble board, based on which the subject applies necessary corrective forces to maintain neutral position. This helps in estimating the importance of visual sensory input for balance and stability of each subject. The subject is made to stand on the wobble board and the angular orientation of the wobble board is recorded for every 0.1 second time interval. The signal is analyzed using discrete Fourier transform. We quantify balance and stability using power spectral density.

Results&conclusions

The subjects have better stability with real-time visual feedback as compared to stability without feedback along both the plane. This methodology is extremely useful in quantifying the standing balance of a subject, based on which, suitable physical therapy/ exercises can be suggested to the subject. The technique of visual feedback helps in enhancing the stability and can play crucial role in sports rehabilitation and geriatrics.


Keywords


Balance, Stability, Vision, Power Spectral Density, Display Unit, Inertial Measurement Unit

References