Postural Sway Measurement Tool and Method

Postural sway controls the body's weight distribution around its center of mass. Its deviation from normal can be a symptom of a variety of neuromuscular and vestibular disorders. Despite the importance of sway assessment, current technologies used to collect these movements are either too expensive and/or too difficult for the general public to operate outside of a lab environment. Wearable devices that measure human movement can enable daily sway assessment using inexpensive and easier to use sensors.

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a mobile system based on a widely available platform (smartphones) and a custom-designed image processing software for human movement and sway assessment. This is a low cost, easy-to-use design that is portable and provides accurate assessments. Older adults, athletes, and others suffering from balance disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, can use this technology. An additional use includes as a screening tool for concussion and/or traumatic brain injury for both athletes and military personnel. It offers the advantages of daily measurement by the end-user.

Advantages:

-Easy-to-use

-Low cost

-Accurate

-Daily measurements

Potential Applications:

-Older adults

-Balance disorders such as Parkinson's disease

-Screening tool for concussions and/or traumatic brain injury for both athletes and military personnel

TRL: 5

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: Postural sway assessment, mobile balance system, smartphone-based movement analysis, image processing software for sway, low-cost balance assessment, wearable movement devices, Parkinson's disease balance monitoring, concussion screening tool, traumatic brain injury screening, daily movement measurement, Biomedical Engineering, Concussion, Gait, Medical Devices, Medical/Health, Mobile Apps, Parkinson's Disease, Smartphones