Force Plate Analysis Explanation
‘Balance is a biomarker of nervous system integrity.’
Simply
The ability for standing balance is derived from input from the: Proprioceptive System - muscles and joints etc, the Ocula (Visual) System and the Vestibular system.
Depending on the standing surface each system contributes disproportionally.
The Pondera2 measures the ‘centre of pressure’ and compares this to an age matched database.
The balance age is the most useful parameter for a quick and effective assessment. Testing the ability to stand still gives a very good guide as to how much fine control the brain has over the control of around 600 muscles and the joints they cross. Just standing upright is amazing!
The human baby has relatively zero balance ability. This improves steadily until the peak balance ability occurs at the age of 22. After this age the balance ability gradually diminishes.
Comparing the results of the Eyes open and closed on a firm and soft surfaces allows for a dissection of the specific balance components and their interactions.
The Vestibular, Visual and Proprioceptive sensory input is normally integrated and adjusts the outgoing motor response to maintain balance, posture and gaze stabilisation.
On a firm surface with eyes open, the Proprioceptive system contributes 70% to the overall sensory input needed for balance. The visual system 10% and the Vestibular System 20%.
However, standing on a soft surface, when the feet are not in contact with the solid surface (ensuring the body weight is suspended), the Proprioceptive System contributes around 10% of input and the Vestibular system then contributes 70% and the Visual system 20%. See Table below.
There are other variations of how to utilise this equipment and gain even greater insight as to how balance is compromised. Below is an example of a Report from the Pondera2 Force Plate Analysis equipment.
