Clinical Static Balance Assessment: A Narrative Review of Traditional and IMU-Based Posturography in Older Adults and Individuals with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Maintaining balance is important for daily activities and quality of life. Impaired balance can be identified, understood, and improved through accurate assessment methods. This review explores methods to quantify standing balance, including traditional posturography and wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs). The review focuses on older adults and individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI), as these groups are largely affected by balance impairments. Each group presents distinct aspects in balance assessment due to different underlying causes. Given the vulnerability of both groups to balance issues and falls, interventions to improve standing balance and prevent falls are crucial. This review highlights the importance of static balance assessment and the potential of new methods to understand postural control.

• 1
  COM motion indicates challenges in maintaining balance and the success of neural responses. COP provides information about the CNS response to COM imbalance, reflecting neuromuscular attempts to respond to instability.
• 2
  IMUs offer a practical, objective balance assessment methodology for clinical applications. They show high sensitivity to mild neurological impairments and good test-retest reliability with experimental and clinical validity.
• 3
  The review of balance assessment methods in older adults and individuals with iSCI highlights the value of utilizing both in-lab equipment and IMUs for improved understanding and more effective interventions.