An attempt to evaluate postural control with a magnetic motion capture system

Abstract

Measurement of the body sway can be useful in the assessment of the ability to maintain posture. It is, however, difficult to quantitatively evaluate the chronological changes in the equilibrium function in the elderly. Although it is considered that not only sway movement of body center of gravity but also head movement should be measured for essential assessment of postural control, few methods are suitable for a clinical test. In this study, we investigated the head and trunk movement in elderly subjects standing upright, using a magnetic motion capture system to substantiate its usefulness. Seven subjects aged 66 to 83 years old were instructed to stand with their feet close together on the stabilometer with eyes open and then eyes closed for periods of 30 seconds each, while the movement of the head, cervix and lumbar region (MH, MC and ML) were monitored three-dimensionally with the magnetic motion capture system. The obtained data were compared with the movement of the body's center of gravity (MCG). The results were as follows: The MH was the largest, followed by MC and ML, and the ML trace was similar to that of the MCG. MH, MC, ML and the ratio of the MH to ML increased with age, and they were considered to be a valid index for assessment of postural control. A magnetic motion capture system, which can record the movements of the head, cervix and lumbar region accu¬rately and conveniently, is seen as potentially and clinically useful apparatus for evaluation of postural control in dizzy patients, especially the elderly.