The Balance Box
The best known Balance Manager system is a dynamic environment affectionately referred to as "the balance box," "balance chamber" and even "balance booth". During dynamic testing, the patient stands on a movable, force-sensing surface within a movable visual surround. Movements of the support surface and/or visual surround, under precise computer control, modify the sensory conditions and/or impose unexpected disturbances. The computer processes the signals from the force-sensing surface to quantify the patient's postural stability under varying sensory conditions as well as his or her motor reactions to the unexpected disturbances.
During dynamic testing, the support surface and/or the visual surround may move as follows:
- Both the support surface and visual surround (if present) can tilt in response to patient sway. The amount of tilt is proportional to the patient's sway or movement.
- The visual surround is fixed. The support surface moves in anterior/posterior directions starting from the center. The amount of movement is proportional to the patient's height.
- The visual surround is fixed. The support surface is tilted up or down suddenly -- independent of the patient sway. The amount of tilt is a fixed degree and velocity.
During dynamic training, the support surface and/or the visual surround (if present) may move as follows:
- The support surface and/or the visual surround can tilt in response to patient sway. The direction of tilt is determined by the patient's movement, and the amount of tilt is determined by the treating clinician, based upon testing results and programs.
- The direction of the tilt may also be initiated randomly by the computer. The amount of tilt and degree of directional variance is determined by the treating clinician, based upon testing results and programs.
The signals are "crunched" and compared to age-matched norms. Individualized, objective results are displayed as both comprehensive and raw data scores. Clinicians can then review the results and develop an appropriate treatment path specific to that individual.
For detailed clinical information regarding Balance Manager protocols and system options, visit www.resourcesonbalance.com.