AN ULTRASONIC-OPERATED KINEMATIC MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR ASSESSMENT OFSTANCE BALANCE IN THE CLINIC

This study describes the application of a kinematic measurement system based on ultrasonic technology to enable the assessment of stance bal ance in the clinic, The system is composed of 1-8 ultrasonic transduce r markers which transmit ultrasonic waves, and three ultrasonic receiv ers, The spatial position of each marker is monitored by calculation o f the time interval between transmission and reception of the wave, Sw ay data from the waist of 44 healthy subjects and 15 hemiparetic patie nts were collected during quiet stance. The results distinguished betw een data collected with and without vision, between patients and contr ols, and between the two sides of the body. The findings were found to be valid and reliable in repeated measurements. Relevance-Assessment of stance balance in the clinic is a requisite for quantifying disabil ity and measuring improvement in patients with postural control defici ts, Due to high costs and complexity of operation, the use of prevaili ng equipment for these purposes is mainly confined to research facilit ies, This paper describes a unique kinematic measurement system whose low price and ease of operation make it feasible for clinical use.