Inertial Sensor Reliability and Validity for Static and Dynamic Balance in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review.

Nicky Baker,Claire Gough,Susan J Gordon

doi:10.3390/s21155167

Abstract

Compared to laboratory equipment inertial sensors are inexpensive and portable, permitting the measurement of postural sway and balance to be conducted in any setting. This systematic review investigated the inter-sensor and test-retest reliability, and concurrent and discriminant validity to measure static and dynamic balance in healthy adults. Medline, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched to January 2021. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was possible for reliability studies only and it was found that inertial sensors are reliable to measure static standing eyes open. A synthesis of the included studies shows moderate to good reliability for dynamic balance. Concurrent validity is moderate for both static and dynamic balance. Sensors discriminate old from young adults by amplitude of mediolateral sway, gait velocity, step length, and turn speed. Fallers are discriminated from non-fallers by sensor measures during walking, stepping, and sit to stand. The accuracy of discrimination is unable to be determined conclusively. Using inertial sensors to measure postural sway in healthy adults provides real-time data collected in the natural environment and enables discrimination between fallers and non-fallers. The ability of inertial sensors to identify differences in postural sway components related to altered performance in clinical tests can inform targeted interventions for the prevention of falls and near falls.

Highlights

Postural control of balance is essential for keeping upright, moving effectively, and reacting to environmental challenges [1]
While gross changes in the performance of these tests are associated with falls history, there is no understanding of the contribution of postural sway to these outcomes
One further relevant systematic review [7] was published after the scoping review went to press

Summary

Introduction

Postural control of balance is essential for keeping upright, moving effectively, and reacting to environmental challenges [1]. Balance deficits can lead to a near fall or fall that may result in physical, psychological, or social consequences and, in some cases, death [2]. People living in the community who have near falls and do not sustain an injury escape the attention of the health system. They are the group most likely to benefit from interventions to prevent falls. Until recently, having a fall has been the best predictor of having another fall. While gross changes in the performance of these tests are associated with falls history, there is no understanding of the contribution of postural sway to these outcomes

Methods

Results

Conclusion