Testing - biodex BALANCE SYSTEM SD Operation & Service Manual

8. TESTING

The Biodex Balance System SD allows clinicians to assess a patient's neuromuscular control in a
closed-chain, multi-plane test by quantifying the ability of the patient to maintain dynamic uni-
lateral or bilateral postural stability on either a static or unstable surface. The degree of surface
instability is controlled by the system's microprocessor-based actuator. The clinician selects the
test duration, stability level and protocol.
In a dynamic test, once the session beings the patient's ability to control the platform angle is
quantified as a variance from the locked (level) position, as well as degrees of deflection over
time. A large variance may be indicative of poor neuromuscular response. Further insight into
specific neuromuscular activation patterns is realized with the quantification of anterior/poste-
rior and medial/lateral platform tilt. Predictive Values and Comparative (Bilateral) Reports are
available to chart the patient's performance. Bilateral comparisons quickly document differences
between each lower extremity.
Static testing measures the angular excursion of the patient's center of gravity. Body height must
come into play for static measures. A person's Center of Gravity (COG) is approximately 55% of
their height. Based on the selected height an appropriate static measure scaling is applied.
Testing in this mode is ideal for baseline testing for movement disorder, vestibular dysfunction
and orthopedic patients. Good static testing scores can lead to a progression into dynamic test-
ing and training.
Test formats include Postural Stability, Limits of Stability, Athlete Single Leg, CTSIB and Fall
Risk. Postural Stability and Limits of Stability testing are available at variable levels of difficulty.
Bilateral reports (comparsion of postural stability performance of standing on one leg versus
standing on the other) are available in More Options of Postural stability testing.
As with training, patients with saved tests can be recalled for easy positioning from the Patient
Management screen by selecting the desired patient record and touching <Repeat>. See Chapter 11.
Figure 8.1. The Testing Menu screen.
— 8-1 — TESTING