Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)

In order to be eligible to participate in the research study, participants had to be enrolled in the full 16 weeks of the DPP. A participant's overall balance system was assessed through computerized dynamic posturography (CDP).

CDP is a versatile piece of balance equipment that can be used for diagnostic and rehabilitative purposes. In the CDP, there are multiple assessments, but for the research study the sensory organization test (SOT) was used.

The SOT looks at all aspects of balance: vision, somatosensory system, which includes the legs and feet, and also the vestibular system, which is the inner ear. A participant will go through 6 different conditions that assess these three systems:

Condition 1: The person stands with eyes open, visual field and floor do not move.
Condition 2: The person stands with eyes closed.
Condition 3: The person stands with eyes open, the floor does not move, but the visual field moves.
Condition 4: The person stands with eyes open, the visual field does not move this time, but the floor moves.
Condition 5: The person stands with eyes closed and the floor moves.
Condition 6: The person stands with eyes open, the visual field and the floor move.

Depending on the condition, certain systems might be taken away, so that one system is isolated to assess if the participant is using that system appropriately. For example, in condition 5: the participant closes their eyes, so vision is taken away, the floor also moves, so a firm surface is taken away from the participant, so that the participant cannot rely on their somatosensory system, which means this condition leaves the vestibular system to analyze. Is the patient able to maintain their balance? If so, our vestibular system seems to be working appropriately, if not then we may have some problems with this system.

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This test generates an overall equilibrium score in comparison to same-aged and same height peers. Therefore, an equilibrium score as calculated at the beginning and end of the 16 weeks.