title: The D+R Balance application: a novel method of assessing postural sway.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Postural sway can be assessed clinically using the Romberg test, or quantified using dynamic posturography. We assessed the potential use of a novel iPhone application as a method of quantifying sway.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty healthy volunteers performed the Romberg and tandem Romberg tests on a hard floor and on foam in soundproofed and normal clinic rooms. Postural sway was recorded using the D+R Balance application and data were compared using paired t-tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significantly more postural sway was noted in participants when standing with their eyes closed and feet in the 'tandem' position vs feet together; standing with their eyes closed on foam vs on the floor; and standing with their eyes closed on foam with feet in the tandem position vs on the floor with feet together.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This feasibility study suggests that the iPhone D+R Balance application deserves further investigation as a means of assessing postural sway and may provide an alternative to current dynamic posturography systems.
authors.affiliation: Medway Maritime Hospital,Gillingham,UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yvon
authors.affiliation: Medway Maritime Hospital,Gillingham,UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Najuko-Mafemera
authors.affiliation: Medway Maritime Hospital,Gillingham,UK.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kanegaonkar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D012016:Reference Values; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012683:Sensory Deprivation; D000068997:Smartphone; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Physical Examination; Postural Balance; Vestibular Function Tests