Accuracy of centre of pressure measurement using a piezoelectric force platform

Objective. To evaluate the accuracy in determining centre of pressure when using a force platform for stabilometry research. Design. Technical report. Background. Previous studies have determined the accuracy of locating the c entre of pressure by applying force through a single point, In human stabil ometry research however, force is distributed across two feet and the centr e of pressure located between the feet. Methods. Forces were applied to a Kistler force platform using a force appl ied through a single point as well as when force was distributed between tw o metal blocks. Results. Errors in calculating centre of pressure were substantially larger when force was applied through a single point than when the force was dist ributed between two blocks. Conclusions. Evaluating centre of pressure accuracy by applying force throu gh a single point overestimates the errors inherent in human stabilometry r esearch.