A new trunk sway assessment protocol using biofeedback inertial-based sensing modality for stroke patients

The ability to control postural steadiness is an important determinant of overcoming the internal and external environmental stimulus across the falls for stoke patients. Traditionally, assessments of postural steadiness are based on patient's ability to control the angular deviation of the center of mass (COM) within the base of support. In this study, a wireless inertial-based sensing modality with augmented biofeedback training protocol was developed and used for clinical evaluation. Eighteen cerebral vascular accident patients were recruited for the assessment. The experimental results revealed that biofeedback strategy together with motor skill learning protocol appears to be an important variable for improving postural steadiness during tandem stance.