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. 2013 Mar-Apr;79(2):219-25.
doi: 10.5935/1808-8694.20130038.

A pilot study on the evaluation of postural strategies in young and elderly subjects using a tridimensional electromagnetic system

[Article in English, Portuguese]
José Ailton Oliveira Carneiro  1 , Taiza Elaine Grespan Santos-Pontelli, José Fernando Colafêmina, Antonio Adilton Oliveira Carneiro, Eduardo Ferriolli
Affiliations

A pilot study on the evaluation of postural strategies in young and elderly subjects using a tridimensional electromagnetic system

[Article in English, Portuguese]
José Ailton Oliveira Carneiro et al. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2013 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

One resorts to various postural strategies while attempting to maintain balance.

Objective: To assess the postural strategies adopted by young and elderly subjects in varying sensory conditions by using a system of tridimensional electromagnetic sensors positioned on the projection of the first thoracic vertebra and on the sacral region. Postural oscillation values for young and elderly subjects were also reported.

Method: This observational cross-sectional study enrolled 25 young and 16 elderly individuals. A Polhemus™ device equipped with two sensors was used to assess postural oscillation parameters (maximum displacement, mean velocity, and trajectory). Data acquisition was carried out with subjects standing while undergoing a 90-second test in four sensory conditions: eyes opened, eyes closed, on a stable surface, and on an unstable surface.

Results: Sensors 1 and 2 presented significant cross-correlations in all sensory conditions for both groups (r > 0.99; p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were seen when the cross-correlations for both groups were compared.

Conclusion: This study presented an important tool to analyze postural oscillation and assess the postural strategies of young and elderly subjects in different sensory conditions. Young and elderly individuals presented strong correlations between sensors (ankle strategy), but no statistically significant differences were seen between groups.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A Location of the electromagnetic sensors. Tx: Transmitter and representation of the three planes; S1 and S2: 1st thoracic vertebrae and sacral region; B: Surface with position of the feet.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Statokinesigram (A) and Stabilogram (B) of a young subject registered by sensor 1 (S1) and sensor 2 (S2) under conditions of eyes open stable surface (EOSS).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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