Validation of balance assessment measures of an accelerometric mobile device application versus a balance platform
Date
2012-05Author
Rohleder, Peter Alexander
Advisor
Patterson, Jeremy A.Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Recent technological advancements in electronics and telecommunications have provided more accessible quantitative methods of assessing balance. The latest smartphones have built-in motion sensors called tri-axial accelerometers, which are an ideal choice for evaluating variability of movement and balance providing a non-invasive, portable method of measurement. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the balance assessment measures from a mobile device application (iPod) utilizing accelerometric motion sensors against the balance assessment measures of a clinically valid and reliable balance platform (BIODEX Balance System SD). METHODS: 75 healthy college-aged individuals (37 male, 38 female; average age = 24.2±6.8 yr) performed a series of balance tasks over two visits (Study 1 and Study 2). During Study 1, 8 balance tests were assessed, beginning with two feet on ground (baseline) and progressively becoming more difficult and repeating them over three trials. iPod Touches with a software application to measure balance was used to assess sway. During Study 2, participants completed 4 balance assessments using a clinically validated balance platform and the iPod Touches, at the same time. RESULTS: Data showed that the iPod Touches were consistent with expect outcomes, based off of normative data; the more unstable the assessment the higher the balance score compared to baseline or standing with feet together eyes open without foam. Analyses of the 3 trials suggest that a familiarization test should be performed when using the iPod Touch balance application and this is consistent with other devices. Results from Study 2 showed no significant difference between the two devices when measuring without foam, but a significant difference was found between the two while balancing on foam. CONCLUSION: Balance scores measured by accelerometers within an iPod appear to be a valid and consistent method of measuring human balance.
Description
Thesis (M.Ed.)--Wichita State University, College of Education, Dept. of Human Performance Studies