A Simple Novel System for the Assessment of Balance

Impairments in balance control are common across various clinical conditions and aging, necessitating reliable methods for assessment. This study introduces a novel, low-cost posturographic system based on an unstable spring-supported platform that calculates center of pressure (COP) displacement using angular measurements in two horizontal axes. A heterogeneous sample of 105 participants underwent repeated trials on both the novel system and a traditional firm platform under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. COP velocity was recorded and analyzed for reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Results showed significantly higher COP ve-locity on the unstable platform when visual input was removed, indicating greater re-liance on visual control under unstable conditions. The novel system demonstrated comparable reliability to traditional platforms, with ICC values exceeding 0.90 when mean values from three trials were used. No learning effect was observed on the un-stable platform, unlike the firm one. These findings suggest that the new system is a valid alternative for balance assessment, particularly effective in differentiating indi-viduals with varying balance capabilities under eyes-closed conditions. Its affordabil-ity and methodological soundness make it suitable for clinical use and broader screen-ing applications aimed at fall prevention.