Balance

Balance - Speed of Sway

Balance is tested using a computerized head-tracker (Neuro-Test, Inc., Pasadena, CA) which records the horizontal path and speed of movement of a sound source mounted on the head using two microphones mounted 36 cm apart on the arm of a tripod 35 cm from the head (1). These sway measurements are equivalent to those from a force platform (2). The minimal sway speed of 3 consecutive alternating 20-second trials is recorded with the eyes open and with the eyes closed in each sequence.

Reference Notes:

1. Kilburn KH, Warshaw RH and Hanscom B: Are hearing loss and balance dysfunction linked in construction iron workers. Brit J Indust Med 1992:49;138-141.
2. Kilburn KH, Warshaw RH, Hanscom B: Balance measured by head (and trunk) tracking and a force platform in chemically (PCB and TCE) exosed and reference subjects. Occup & Environ Med 1994;51:381-385.