A study on the reliability of measuring dynamic balance ability using a smartphone.
Seulki Han, Daehee Lee, Sangyong Lee
PMID 27799682WHAT IT FOUND
A smartphone sensor on the lower back gave repeatable acceleration readings for dynamic balance in 30 healthy young adults, especially with eyes closed; gyroscope readings were less consistent, particularly with eyes closed.
Key findings
01Acceleration readings showed ICC values of 0.8 with eyes open and 0.9 with eyes closed.
02Gyroscope readings showed ICC values of 0.7 with eyes open and 0.6 with eyes closed.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
Only 30 healthy young students in their 20s were tested, so the results cannot be assumed to apply to people outside this sample. The task was limited to standing on a Biodex footboard with eyes open or closed; walking, turning, and other dynamic tasks were not tested. Only one smartphone model and one app were used. The study measured repeatability across one day, not agreement with the Biodex system or clinical outcomes. The absolute acceleration and gyroscope values are transformed sensor outputs, not clinical balance scores, and the paper did not state units. The authors note that smartphones provide highly limited data regarding balance ability compared with existing expensive devices.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that smartphone balance testing is ready for clinical use. The study tested repeatability in 30 healthy young students, not accuracy in patients, and the gyroscope readings were less consistent with eyes closed.