title: Magnetically coupled balance platform.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a new device to assess balance in two planes and then to provide training paradigms for balance abnormalities. Based on the principal of a Biomechanical Ankle Platform System (BAPS) board, the device is different than other devices that are on the market today in that this device allows assessment of balance during body sway movement in the forward\back and side-to-side directions. Like the BAPS board, individuals balance themselves on the board with a pivot in the centre. However, unlike the BAPS board, a variable viscosity magnetic fluid is used to vary the dampening on the board such that the board can be fixed in the forward\back or side-to-side plane. It can also be allowed to move either freely in both planes or with some dampening in any direction. This device offers a major improvement over other balance measuring devices in that it allows movement in multiple planes. It also allows for rapid alterations of movement in any plane to test an individual's ability to maintain their balance against a challenge.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health, Loma Linda University, CA 92350, USA. jerry-petrofsky@sahp.llu.edu
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Petrofsky
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Lohman
mesh_terms: D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*