ORIGINAL PAPER
Assessment of postural balance using a low-cost force plate: a study on biomechanical parameters and clinical implications
1
Department of Medical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat University (Rangsit Campus), Pathum Tani, Thailand
2
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Thammasat University (Rangsit Campus), PathumTani, Thailand
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2024-04-01
Acceptance date: 2024-06-07
Publication date: 2025-03-20
Corresponding author
Thipsuda Banyam
Department of Medical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat University (Rangsit Campus), 99 Moo 18 Paholyothin Road, Klong Nueng, Klong Luang, Pathum Tani, Thailand
Department of Medical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Thammasat University (Rangsit Campus), 99 Moo 18 Paholyothin Road, Klong Nueng, Klong Luang, Pathum Tani, Thailand
Physiother Quart. 2025;33(1):85-91
KEYWORDS
ground reaction forces (GRF)centre of pressure (COP)biomechanical parameterslow-cost force plateplantar pressure distribution (PPD)
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
There are several methods for assessing posture in humans. One of the tools used for posture assessment is the force plate, which can measure various biomechanical parameters related to human movement. However, due to its high cost, it is only available in hospitals or some specialised laboratories. In this research, a low-cost force plate was utilised to assess human posture.
Methods:
Testing was conducted with 15 male and female volunteers aged between 18 and 25 years. The participants were asked to stand statically on the low-cost force plate with their eyes open and closed. The evaluation included measuring ground reaction forces (GRF), centre of pressure (COP), and plantar pressure distribution (PPD).
Results:
These values indicate human posture and can be used to assess posture in a clinical setting, providing appropriate guidance for potential injuries that may occur in the future.
Conclusions:
This tool can be further developed for use with various demographics, including healthy individuals, patients, and athletes of different sports types, to assess, guide, and promote appropriate posture.
There are several methods for assessing posture in humans. One of the tools used for posture assessment is the force plate, which can measure various biomechanical parameters related to human movement. However, due to its high cost, it is only available in hospitals or some specialised laboratories. In this research, a low-cost force plate was utilised to assess human posture.
Methods:
Testing was conducted with 15 male and female volunteers aged between 18 and 25 years. The participants were asked to stand statically on the low-cost force plate with their eyes open and closed. The evaluation included measuring ground reaction forces (GRF), centre of pressure (COP), and plantar pressure distribution (PPD).
Results:
These values indicate human posture and can be used to assess posture in a clinical setting, providing appropriate guidance for potential injuries that may occur in the future.
Conclusions:
This tool can be further developed for use with various demographics, including healthy individuals, patients, and athletes of different sports types, to assess, guide, and promote appropriate posture.
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