DIAGNOSTIC FACILITIES

Posturography

Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) is an assessment tool used by the physiotherapist to objectively quantify balance control. A force plate is used to analyze movement patterns. A safety support vest is worn during testing. This specialized computer analysis is able to differentiate among the wide variety of possible sensory, motor, and central adaptive impairments to balance control. It is designed to compliment clinical testing and categorize pathological mechanisms of balance disorders. CDP can identify and differentiate the functional impairments associated with the pathological processes. CDP alone cannot diagnose specific pathology or site-of-lesion.

During CDP assessment the patient is presented with a variety of conditions specifically ordered to examine adaptive mechanisms and selection processing of sensory information and movement response patterns.

Because of the complex interactions among sensory, motor, and central adapting processes, CDP requires separate protocols to adequately differentiate among impairments. To quantify the failure of adaptive mechanisms to select appropriate sensory inputs and movement response patterns, CDP exposes the patient to a variety of controlled visual and support surface conditions.

The SMART EquiTest posturography system used at The Wellington Balance Centre, allows targeted rehabilitation to a high level with focus specifically on the use of visual, vestibular and somatosensory cues for balance. Its treatment capabilities allow a graded programme and degree of difficulty, using visual feedback coupled with sensitive monitoring of patient movement on a force platform.