The application of computer posturography in psychological diagnosis.
BACKGROUND
We analyzed assessment of equilibrium system efficiency versus organic test performance and dependence on functional aspect of cognitive and psychomotor functions.


METHODS
A population of 250 persons from 15 to 65 years of age was examined. Measurements of the sense of balance were carried out by means of computer posturograph. Three parameters describing the posturographic trajectory (its variability over time) were selected for analysis: the resultant sway coefficient, average, and maximum sway speeds. CNS function was assessed against the background of tests results from the psychoorganic triad. Cognitive and psychomotor functions were evaluated on the basis of the Raven test, Digital Symbol test, Poppelreuter test, Toulous - Pieron test, and the cross-type apparatus, as well as measurement of direct reaction to auditory and visual stimuli.


RESULTS
The results showed decreased efficiency of the equilibrium system in persons with poorer performance on organic tests and a lower level of cognitive and psychomotor functions. The analyzed parameters of the equilibrium system demonstrated a higher degree of dependence on the degree of organic alteration than on the location of defects within the central nervous system.


CONCLUSIONS
The resultant sway coefficient proved to be the most useful parameter of equilibrium for diagnostic purposes.
Witecki
Kazimierz
K
Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Sosnowiec, Poland. k.witecki@imp.sosnowiec.pl
Czapla
Andrzej
A
Kidoń
Zenon
Z
Pawlas
Krystyna
K
Powazka
Elzbieta
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance