Accuracy of centre of pressure measurement using a piezoelectric force platform.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the accuracy in determining centre of pressure when using a force platform for stabilometry research.


METHODS
Technical report.


BACKGROUND
Previous studies have determined the accuracy of locating the centre of pressure by applying force through a single point. In human stabilometry research however, force is distributed across two feet and the centre of pressure located between the feet.


METHODS
Forces were applied to a Kistler force platform using a force applied through a single point as well as when force was distributed between two metal blocks.


RESULTS
Errors in calculating centre of pressure were substantially larger when force was applied through a single point than when the force was distributed between two blocks.


CONCLUSIONS
Evaluating centre of pressure accuracy by applying force through a single point overestimates the errors inherent in human stabilometry research.


CONCLUSIONS
Evaluating changes in the centre of pressure of human subjects standing on a force platform is a common tool for evaluating control mechanisms of balance. Accurate information regarding the centre of pressure is essential for the validity of this research.
Middleton
J
J
Moorong Spinal Unit, Royal Rehabilitation Centre, Ryde, Sydney NSW 1680, Australia.
Sinclair
P
P
Patton
R
R
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D004856:Postural Balance; D011312:Pressure; D015203:Reproducibility of Results