TürkçeThe posturography device is an advanced technological diagnostic tool that enables the objective evaluation of balance disorders. It is especially used to measure the coordination of the vestibular system, visual system, and proprioceptive sense. It is a balance test frequently used in clinics.
Posturography systems operating with static and dynamic test modes analyze deviations in the patient’s center of balance in three dimensions. In this way, the causes of balance disorders can be determined in detail. The tests are painless and brief.
Posturography tests performed before and after vestibular rehabilitation programs are important for monitoring treatment effectiveness. They are frequently used particularly in inner ear diseases characterized by vertigo and in some neurological cases such as vestibular migraine. They also have various and broad areas of use, such as assessing the risk of falling, understanding the extent of balance loss, and performing objective data analysis of the feeling of imbalance. They are also frequently preferred, especially in the field of geriatrics.
The device monitors body weight distribution and postural control through sensors placed on the patient platform. In addition to measuring the individual’s balance ability and stability, it also analyzes the balance strategies used by the individual. The data obtained provide clinicians with an objective basis for creating individualized treatment plans. It is a reliable method in routine balance assessments.
What Does Posturography Measure?
The human body uses multiple systems simultaneously to maintain balance. Sensory information coming from the balance organ in the inner ear, the eyes, muscles, and joints is continuously processed by the brain. The posturography device helps to understand how these systems work together.
The device measures the very small sways a person makes while standing. These sways are normally not noticed; however, they provide important clues about balance control. During the measurements, how the person manages their center of gravity, under which conditions they experience difficulty, and how they react to maintain balance are evaluated.
In Which Situations May a Posturography Assessment Be Requested?
Posturography is not a test automatically applied to every person with a balance complaint. It is generally considered when deemed necessary by a physician or audiologist. The following complaints are among the examples that may require this assessment:
- Dizziness attacks with an unclear cause
- A feeling of imbalance while standing or walking
- Frequent falls or fear of falling
- Balance problems thought to originate from the inner ear
- Balance problems accompanying neurological or orthopedic conditions
The source of every balance problem may be different. Therefore, posturography results are considered together with the person’s medical history and other examination findings.
What Kind of Process Awaits the Person During the Test?
A posturography assessment is generally performed while standing and does not cause pain. The person stands on a special platform and wears a safety harness. This harness is used to prevent falling and does not restrict movement.
Different conditions may be created during the test. For example, balance may be compared with the eyes open and closed, or responses may be measured while the surface is stationary and moving. These variables help to understand which sensory information has a greater effect on balance.
The duration of the procedure may vary according to the protocol used. No active effort is expected from the person; it is sufficient to follow the given instructions.
What Are the Types of Posturography?
Posturography is a general concept and has different forms of application. One of the most commonly used methods is dynamic posturography. In this method, the surface or visual environment is changed in a controlled manner, and the person’s balance strategies are observed.
In some cases, static posturography may be preferred. In this approach, the surface remains stationary, and the person’s sways during natural standing are analyzed. Which method is appropriate is determined according to the purpose of the assessment and the patient’s characteristics.
How Are the Obtained Results Interpreted?
Posturography results are presented in the form of numerical data and graphs. These data provide clues about which components of the balance system may be experiencing difficulty. However, the results are not evaluated on their own as “good” or “bad.”
For example, excessive dependence on visual information, problems related to the inner ear, or adaptation problems originating from the musculoskeletal system may be considered. At this point, specialist evaluation is of great importance. Since each individual’s age, general health condition, and daily living habits are different, interpretation is performed on an individual basis.
What Happens After Posturography?
Posturography is often the initial step of a process. In line with the findings obtained, additional tests may be planned, or a follow-up process related to balance may be recommended. In some individuals, it may provide guidance in planning balance training or rehabilitation programs.
The important point here is that the same approach is not applied to every balance problem. Posturography helps to understand which areas need support; however, decisions regarding treatment must be made by a specialist while taking personal needs into consideration.
For Whom May It Not Be Suitable?
Although it is generally a safe assessment method, it may not be suitable for every individual. If there are severe orthopedic problems that make standing difficult, advanced movement limitations, or conditions that may pose a risk during the test, different assessment methods may be preferred.
Therefore, the person’s current health condition is reviewed in detail before the test. When necessary, the assessment may be postponed, or alternative methods may be recommended.
Why Is Objective Measurement Important in Balance Problems?
Complaints related to balance are often based on personal experiences. Statements such as “feeling as if swaying” or “feeling as if about to fall at any moment” are common. Posturography aims to support these subjective descriptions with measurable data.
In this way, the process is intended to become more understandable for both the person and clinicians. It may also be possible to monitor changes over time; therefore, a clearer picture of the course of the balance-related condition may emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Posturography is an advanced test method that objectively evaluates a person’s balance system. By analyzing the body’s responses while standing, it may help determine the source of balance problems.
It may be used in the assessment of individuals with dizziness, vestibular disorders, loss of balance, neurological diseases, and a risk of falling. It may also contribute to monitoring progress after treatment.
During the test, the person stands in certain positions on a special platform. The device measures the body’s responses used to maintain balance and analyzes the effects of different sensory systems on balance.
Posturography can evaluate the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive components of the balance system. In this way, it may provide important information about which system the dizziness may be related to and support the diagnostic process.
The posturography test is generally a painless and safe assessment method. No surgical procedure or intervention is performed during the test. Most patients can resume their daily activities immediately after the test.
Posturography may be applied to examine balance functions in children within an appropriate age group. It may provide useful information, especially in children with frequent falls, coordination problems, or balance complaints.
Balance control may decrease, and the risk of falling may increase in older individuals. By measuring balance performance, posturography may contribute to identifying risk factors and planning appropriate rehabilitation programs.
Test results may show which balance mechanism is more affected. In line with this information, personalized exercise programs and vestibular rehabilitation practices may be planned.
Changes in balance performance can be evaluated by comparing measurements performed before and after treatment. In this way, the effectiveness of the applied rehabilitation can be monitored with objective data.
Medications being used, existing health problems, and the history of dizziness should be shared with the healthcare team before the test. Wearing comfortable clothing and following the preparation instructions given by the specialist are recommended.
Dr. Audiologist Emel Uğur was born in 1982 in Çanakkale. She specialized in Pediatric Audiology, Otologic Disorders, and Vestibular System Disorders, and served for 15 years at the Istanbul Training and Research Hospital. In 2015, she joined the Acıbadem Healthcare Group. She currently works as an Audiologist at the Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital and also serves as a faculty member and program director in the Acıbadem University Vocational School of Health Services Audiometry Program.
Location of our clinic in Istanbul, Turkey