Concurrent Validity of Postural Sway Measures in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment

Phys Occup Ther Geriatr. 2018;36(4):399-410. doi: 10.1080/02703181.2018.1556231. Epub 2019 Jan 14.

Abstract

Aims: To examine concurrent validity of inertial sensor (APDM ISway) versus force plate center of pressure (COP) measures of postural sway in cognitively impaired older adults.

Methods: Participants, mean age 85.6 (SD 4.8), were tested in 4 static standing conditions: (1) eyes open/normal base, (2) eyes open/narrow base, (3) eyes closed/normal base, and (4) eyes closed/narrow base. ISway and COP measures were collected.

Results: Strong correlations between ISway trunk sway smoothness [ISway JERK, (m 2 /s 5 )] and COP path length (r = 0.67-0.85) and COP mean velocity (r = 0.77-0.87); also ISway total sway acceleration path length/trail duration [ISway PATH, (m2/s2)] and COP path length (r = 0.77-0.87) and COP mean velocity (r = 0.77-0.91). Increased sway was detected in narrow versus normal base and eyes closed versus open conditions (P = .001).

Conclusions: APDM ISway demonstrated concurrent validity to force-plate COP and changes in postural sway were detected between conditions.

Keywords: Cognitive Impairment; Inertial Sensors; Older Adults.