Comparative study of computerized dynamic posturography and the SwayStar system in healthy subjects

Acta Otolaryngol. 2012 Mar;132(3):271-6. doi: 10.3109/00016489.2011.637177. Epub 2011 Dec 27.

Abstract

Conclusions: For healthy subjects, posturography and SwayStar™ results are basically comparable, when they are obtained under the same sensory stimulation conditions. However, the management of the information and the mathematical analyses in the two systems are not comparable.

Objectives: Postural control represents man's ability to maintain the center of pressures inside the limits of stability. Posturography is a set of techniques that objectively studies and quantifies the postural control. The present study analyzed the different parameters of the dynamic computerized posturography and SwayStar systems related to balance, to determine whether the results of the two systems in the same healthy subject are equivalent.

Methods: Seventy healthy individuals, with a mean age of 44.9 years, were homogeneously divided into seven age groups. Postural studies with a Neurocom(®) Smart Balance Master posturography platform (sensorial organization test), with the SwayStar(®) system (14 tests), and another sensorial organization test were recorded simultaneously with the two posturographs. The Pearson correlation test was used for the statistical study (p < 0.05).

Results: Comparison of the independent records showed correlation only in the Romberg position with eyes closed on a normal surface and in the Romberg position with open eyes on moving/foam surface. We found correlation for all conditions when simultaneously recorded.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Vision, Ocular
  • Young Adult