Definition of the proper placement point for balance assessment with accelerometers in older women

Abstract

Objective: To compare the behavior of the spinal levels for the accelerometric analysis and thus to define a proper placement point.

Method: Using three triaxial accelerometers (in dorsal and in lumbar regions) and a video camera, of 66 older women through one leg balance and standing tests with open and closed eyes, in static and dynamic conditions and gait repeated three times each trial.

Results: The accelerometer located in L5 explain the 88% and the 73% of the results obtained with the accelerometers located in the dorsal region and L4, respectively. The results have also showed a high correlation between the age and the average acceleration for dynamic one leg balance. Furthermore, an increase of the acceleration vector in the course of the trials (except in normal gait) was observed. Conclusions: Although, the accelerometric data obtained in L4 and L5 have often been used arbitrarily for balance evaluation, actually there are differences in the records that made. Therefore, choosing the L4 not only reduces the kinematics information provided by the accelerometers but also simplifies the process of evaluation and analysis.