Validation of Postural Sway Measurements using Wii Balance Board
Advisor Information
Kota Takahashi
Location
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
2-3-2018 9:45 AM
End Date
2-3-2018 10:00 AM
Abstract
Standing balance measurements, such as postural sway, are vital for determining functional ability, risk of falling and recovery of injuries. Often the need to collect data outside of the typical clinical or research setting arises. However, obtaining these measurements outside of a laboratory setting can be very difficult, as the mobility of a laboratory-grade force plate is minimal, and its cost can be upwards of $20,000. The purpose of this study is to create a cheaper alternative by validating the Wii Balance Board’s (Nintendo) ability to measure postural sway patterns. The Wii Balance Board (WBB) can be acquired for $100 or less and previous studies have confirmed the accuracy of the magnitude of sway in the WBB even when considering battery life and prior usage. Prior studies with the WBB neglect the temporal structure of postural sway (i.e., how postural sway varies across time). The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the postural sway measurements using the WBB. This study used the Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA or a) and other calculations to quantify how the sway patterns vary across time, which allows researchers and clinicians to confidently utilize the WBB. We hypothesized that postural sway measurements of the WBB will be within 5% of those from a laboratory grade force plate. Analysis of 16 individuals provided DFA measurements less than 1% difference (statistically significant), and average COP measurements less than 5% difference on the Wii compared to the force plate.
Validation of Postural Sway Measurements using Wii Balance Board
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
Standing balance measurements, such as postural sway, are vital for determining functional ability, risk of falling and recovery of injuries. Often the need to collect data outside of the typical clinical or research setting arises. However, obtaining these measurements outside of a laboratory setting can be very difficult, as the mobility of a laboratory-grade force plate is minimal, and its cost can be upwards of $20,000. The purpose of this study is to create a cheaper alternative by validating the Wii Balance Board’s (Nintendo) ability to measure postural sway patterns. The Wii Balance Board (WBB) can be acquired for $100 or less and previous studies have confirmed the accuracy of the magnitude of sway in the WBB even when considering battery life and prior usage. Prior studies with the WBB neglect the temporal structure of postural sway (i.e., how postural sway varies across time). The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the postural sway measurements using the WBB. This study used the Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA or a) and other calculations to quantify how the sway patterns vary across time, which allows researchers and clinicians to confidently utilize the WBB. We hypothesized that postural sway measurements of the WBB will be within 5% of those from a laboratory grade force plate. Analysis of 16 individuals provided DFA measurements less than 1% difference (statistically significant), and average COP measurements less than 5% difference on the Wii compared to the force plate.