Quantification of Distribution of the Mass Center for a Controlled Force Platform Reaction to the Ground

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study developed a controlled soil reaction force platform that provided controlled mechanical stimuli to quantify the distribution of the center of mass as a function of the angular variation of the ankle in the elderly in the upright position.

Detailed Description
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Usually the balance evaluation the center of mass displacement for the analysis of postural control is assessed by means of force platforms. However, most of these devices are stationary, that is the patient is the dynamic element which can generate an evaluation with high subjectivity index. Therefore, this study aimed at developed a reaction force to the ground platform which provides mechanical stimuli controlled to quantify the distribution of the mass center as a function of the angular variation in the elderly ankle in the upright position. The construction of the prototype was divided into 3 steps, based on the two-dimensional movement of the ankle joint. In the 1st stage the construction of the mechanical assembly; in the 2nd stage development of the electronics; and 3rd stage the development of the supervisory system (control system). The force plataform was evaluated following the engineering functional tests such as: characterization and calibration of the sensors, the definition of the transfer function and accuracy of tests of angular movements (+ 10 ° and -10 ° to the movements of inversion and eversion, + 15 and -15º to the movements of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion). For the tests with volunteers were selected 30 volunteers.

Official Title
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Quantification of Distribution of the Mass Center for a Controlled Force Platform Reaction to the Ground

Conditions
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Balance

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Force plate


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: We included in this study individuals male and female Age ranging from 20 to 85 years Asymptomatic individuals Must walk without the use of an attachment Do not present motor deficit that makes the study impossible Exclusion Criteria: Decompensated congestive heart failure Neurological or neurological diseases that interfere with significant neuromotor Individuals who did not agree to participate in the study

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Diagnostic
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Group 1 (adult)<br>Each volunteer stood on the platform. The duration of the tests was standardized at 10 seconds for each angulation variant of the test. The tilt variables occurred every 5 degrees oscillating in the two-dimensional movement of the ankle joint. The test was discontinued when the volunteer failed to remain balanced at the tested angulation for more than 10 seconds (thus shifting the foot (s) from the initial position or supporting with one and / or both arms at the therapist or at the support bars ) or when it reached maximum angulation | Device: Force plate<br>* Device: force plate An equipment model with the approach of providing the evaluated person with the movement that is closest to the biomechanical and functional reality of the ankle and foot joint and which could equalize the possible changes of the center of mass would contribute to the clinical evaluation and would provide a more efficient therapeutic reasoning rehabilitation.<br>|
| Experimental: Group 2 (elderly)<br>Each volunteer stood on the platform. The duration of the tests was standardized at 10 seconds for each angulation variant of the test. The tilt variables occurred every 5 degrees oscillating in the two-dimensional movement of the ankle joint. The test was discontinued when the volunteer failed to remain balanced at the tested angulation for more than 10 seconds (thus shifting the foot (s) from the initial position or supporting with one and / or both arms at the therapist or at the support bars ) or when it reached maximum angulation | Device: Force plate<br>* Device: force plate An equipment model with the approach of providing the evaluated person with the movement that is closest to the biomechanical and functional reality of the ankle and foot joint and which could equalize the possible changes of the center of mass would contribute to the clinical evaluation and would provide a more efficient therapeutic reasoning rehabilitation.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mass distribution | The center of mass was measured by the patient remaining on the force platform, remaining for 10 seconds in each angulation variant Unit of measurement: Kilograms (kg) | 15 minutes | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Force plate, Center of mass