At all NDBC clinics we utilize NeuroCom’s Smart Equitest Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) for objectively measuring the functionality of our patients’ three sensory inputs when they are entering our Vestibular and Neurological rehabilitation programs. This establishes a starting point for the patient for their rehabilitation program and enables us to re-test the patient after a month to see how they are progressing. This gives us immediate feedback on the overall effectiveness of a patient’s individualized therapy program and helps us to fine tune each patient’s program to maximize results.
Patients also use the Computerized Dynamic Posturography testing in their daily treatment sessions with our physical therapists. Our treatment protocols push the patient beyond normal comfort levels in the safety of the CDP equipment to build confidence and re-learn their normal limits of stability and center of balance. We then bring the patient outside the comfort of the CDP machine and have them work one on one with a physical therapist to practice what they learned in a real-life environment to further help build their confidence.
NeuroCom’s Smart EquiTest Computerized Dynamic Posturography testing can objectively measure a patient’s three sensory inputs at one time during the SOT test. It can provide insight into where the balance disturbance may be developing from and more importantly, which one of the sensory inputs shows a problem. The human body uses three sensory inputs to maintain balance proper balance, they are: Vestibular (inner ear system), Somatosenory (feet, ankles, joints), Vision (eyes). These sensory inputs interact with the brain, which then drive and control our motor functions. Computerized Dynamic Posturography is a unique assessment technique used to objectively quantify and differentiate among these three sensory inputs, along with motor, and central adaptive impairments to balance control.
Computerized Dynamic Posturography is complementary to VNG and other clinical tests designed to localize and categorize pathological mechanisms of balance disorders. Computerized Dynamic Posturography testing can identify and differentiate the functional impairments associated with the pathological processes, but by itself, Computerized Dynamic Posturography cannot diagnose the source of the problem.
During a Computerized Dynamic Posturography testing session, a series of tests are administered that measure how well a patient can maintain balance under different conditions. Some of the tests are designed to mimic different conditions patients encounter in everyday life. Other tests are designed to determine the source of the patient’s balance problem. The tests administered to establish a starting point for all patients entering our vestibular or neurological rehabilitation programs are called the SOT and MCT. The patient will be asked to stand as steadily as possible on a platform inside a small booth.
The platform has sensors that measure how well patients maintain their balance as the walls of the booth move and the surface they are standing on moves under their feet. The tests are conducted with eyes open and with eyes closed. Patients are supported by a safety harness throughout the testing to ensure they won’t fall and injure themselves. Once the initial tests are completed, our physical therapists look at all information collected as part of the evaluation and then design a program specific for the patient.
For a more detailed explanation of the CDP testing procedures, please see Computerized Dynamic Posturography in the resources section of this website.
Some information courtesy of:
NeuroCom International, Inc.
9570 SE Lawnfield Road
Clackamas, OR 97015
www.onbalance.com