Computerized System to Improve Voluntary Control of Balance in Neurological Patients

The treatment of acquired impairments of balance is one of the most elusive problems that rehabilitative medicine faces. Computerized systems to measure how patients control their balance in static conditions were introduced long ago into clinical practice and proved to be useful; we have designed and developed a computerized system called "BioGP," which combines features of a classic stabilometric platform with those of a retraining device based on visual feedback The aim of this study was to identify homogeneous groups of patients and to provide objective proof of effectiveness for the rehabilitation of patients with balance disorders. The findings confirm that the new equipment provides clinically valid and sensitive information concerning subjects' ability to control voluntary shifts of center of pressure (COP) while standing. The information is relevant to applications using basically the same approach and are encouraging for possible use of the system as a rehabilitation instrument.