Balance force plate

Anybody who has suffered dizziness or vertigo will understand that impaired balance is entwined with the condition. This is because the function of balance relies on the parts of the brain which are also responsible for the symptoms of dizziness and vertigo.

From a safety perspective balance is a very important measurement. This is particularly true for the older client who may be at a risk of falling. The measurement of balance can be repeated in a reliable and standardised manner by using force-plate technology. A digital force-plate can be used as a way of measuring postural sway, and therefore, balance. The patient is directed to stand on the plate and remain as stationary as possible.

Movement is then detected by the force-plate and converted into direction and distance, to give an overall score. The more the patient moves, the higher the score, but the worse the balance, I.e. the better your balance, the less movement you make, the lower your score.

Scores are taken as an average over three attempts and are compared with age-related norms. Although balance is not an indication of function for any specific brain-region, it is a an indication of overall brain function, and is a useful measurement in the dizziness/vertigo clinic.

Balance can also be measured by how much movement can be made without letting the feet lift from the floor. This test is called the “limits of stability” test and requires the patient to move in all directions as much as possible, without losing balance or lifting the foot. In contrast to the “standing still” test, the better score on the “limit of stability” test is the score which indicates maximum movement in all directions, and is therefore the highest score.

In order to make the test more challenging, the assessor may ask the patient to balance on one leg, or on a soft mat.  These test modifications ensure the sensitivity of the test even for athletes with great balance.