Ambulatory balance monitoring using a wireless attachable three-axis accelerometer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The ability of conventional diagnostic equipment to monitor feelings of dizziness experienced during daily activities is limited. Our goal is to develop an ambulatory multipurpose device for monitoring balance to prevent falling in daily life. MATERIALS AND METHODS A three-axis accelerometers and gyroscope sensors were attached to the head, pelvis, and legs of vestibular neuritis (VN) patients or age-, height-, and body weight-matched healthy volunteers. The sum of the deviations for the scalar value of acceleration [signal vector magnitude, SVM (g)] and angular velocity (°/s) was measured using the modified Romberg test. RESULTS The repeated measure ANOVA model with acceleration showed a greater group difference (p < 0.001) than that with angular velocity (p < 0.01). There was no significant interaction effect within-subjects factor between replication and groups (p < 0.178). SVM within the VN group significantly increased for all sensor locations compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Strong correlations between measurements taken at head and pelvis as sensor location were observed for both groups (VN/control, r=0.68/r=072). CONCLUS ION The SVM appears to accurately assess balance while standing, even repetitive measurement or any location in body.

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