Background: Accelerometric assessment of balance is typically conducted from lower back locations approximating the center of mass (COM).

Aims: Because placement of accelerometers at the approximate COM may not always be practical, the purpose of this study was to determine if significant differences exist between acceleration measures recorded from the mid-sternum, COM, and center of pressure (COP).

Methods: Data were collected from 25 subjects (13 male; 22.4 ± 3.3 years) as they performed 30 sec trials of bipedal standing and single leg standing. Accelerations were simultaneously recorded via­ tri-axial accelerometers attached at the mid-sternum and approximate COM (i.e., over L3), and by force plate. Signals were tilt corrected and root mean squared (RMS) values of the accelerations were calculated. Repeated measures ANOVA were performed to determine if differences exist between accelerometer measurement locations as a function of stance and accelerometer location.

Results: No significant differences in mean RMS acceleration between the accelerometer locations were observed during bipedal standing in the anterior-posterior (p = 0.140), medial-lateral (p=0.170), or vertical directions (p = 0.270). For the single leg stance, significant differences were observed between measurement locations in the anterior-posterior (p < 0.001), medial-lateral (p = 0.002), and vertical directions (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Trunk accelerations recorded from above the center of mass may provide useful measures for identifying those with reduced postural control.