CENTRE OF PRESSURE AS A MEASURE TO ASSESS POSTURAL CONTROL IN STANDING AND SITTING: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

 Introduction: the assessment of postural control and balance is of great relevance, as these are the most affec-ted qualities producing more limitations in subjects with postural balance deficits. Therefore, their assessment is es-sential  to  guide  therapeutic  interventions.  The  aim  of  this  study  was  to  determine  the  sensitivity  of  efficient baropodometric based on the measurement of variables susceptible to changes in postural control in healthy subjects,for use in clinical practice and therapeutic orientation indicators. Material and Method: we carried out a transversal,observational study of healthy subjects without postural control/balance. Each participant was assessed on a platform of pressure in a Namrol® Podoprint. Four tests were performed in standing and sitting position adding difficulty pro-gressively. Each test lasted 30 seconds with a 10 second rest at the end of the assessment. Results: the displacement of the center of pressure (COP) was smaller in sitting than in standing both in the medial-lateral axis and the anterior-posterior axis for all the tests performed (p < 0.01). However, there was an influence in the stable or unstable surface and the visual system in postural stability of healthy subjects in standing and sitting, although it was not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: the medial shift of the COP could be a parameter to be used for the assessment of the postural balance in standing and sitting and therefore may be useful for the therapists.