NIMBLE - A BODY-BALANCE ASSESSMENT TOOL
Body balance is an important component for an individual to perform all functional activities. There are various performance-based measurements of body balance available currently to occupational therapy clinicians such as:
• Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS)
• Sitting Balance Scale (SBS)
• Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
• Function in Sitting Test (FIST)
• Functional Reach Test (FRT)
However, sitting balance measurement is limited and in need of more objective and accurate assessment. The traditional paper test has many discrepancies:
• Limited information out of balance scale testing result.
• Evaluation inconsistency among practitioners’ subjective judgment.
• Practitioners’ subjective interpretation.
A MOTION SENSING AND TRACKING SYSTEM developed for patients’ body balance assessment. The system uses a 3-D camera system that integrates depth assessment with traditional two-dimensional images, and operating software.
The patients’ BODY MOTION is identified through a skeleton structure with key joint points. The program focuses on the patients’ SPINAL MOVEMENT HIGHLIGHTED BY THE SPINE SHOULDER JOINT AND BASE JOINT.
To use this technology, a USER INTERFACE FOR NIMBLE has been developed that gives the Occupational Therapist more control over testing and streamlines the process.
The following Participants scored full marks on the paper tests for the sitting unsupported for 30 seconds with eyes open or closed test but showed more movement with Nimble. The backward movement shows no tracking and the task is completed within 5 seconds. The following Participants scored full marks on the paper tests for reaching forward twice but some leaned backward on return and some took much longer to complete the task with Nimble. The backward movement shows no tracking and the task is completed with 5 seconds. The following Participants scored full marks on the paper tests for picking up an object from the floor but some leaned backward on return and some took much longer to complete.
TEST RESULTS • Data is generated and collected in a large scale. • Data can be manipulated and visualized to show patients’ balance state in a high resolution. • An objective evaluation of balance study is likely to be more precise. • Means of data analysis and evaluation are to be established. • Total Travel, Velocity and fluidity can accurately be measured