Multiple applications and pathologies with a single investment
A simple efficient balance screening and balance training tool. The Biodex Balance System is ideal for pre-season baseline, injury pre-disposition or return to activity. The most popular neuro rehabilitation, vestibular physiotherapy device, and balance training system just got better...
The Biodex Balance System SD has been designed to meet the needs of everyone looking to improve balance, increase agility, develop muscle tone and treat a wide variety of pathologies. Featuring easy-to-follow “touch-screen” operation, the Balance System SD is simple to learn and operate, leading the user step-by-step through testing protocols including gait analysis, and balance training modes in both static and dynamic formats. Extremely versatile, it is the only system that provides a fast, accurate Fall Risk Screening and Conditioning Programme for older adults; closed-chain, weight-bearing assessment and balance training for lower extremity patients; and adds the objective balance assessment component to a concussion management programme.
The Biodex Balance System SD also serves as a valuable balance analysis and balance training device to enhance kinesthetic abilities that may provide some degree of compensation for impaired proprioceptive reflex mechanisms following injury. Using the unique device, clinicians can assess neuromuscular control by quantifying the ability to maintain dynamic bilateral and unilateral postural stability on a static or unstable surface.
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There are certain tests and training protocols that are meant to be done on a STATIC (firm) platform, including Limits of Stability (LOS), Percent of Weight Bearing and the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance (CTSIB).
The CTSIB test was researched and presented by Shumway-Cook and Horak, originally published in the APTA Journal in 1986 titled Assessing the Influence of Sensory Interaction on Balance.
It’s important to note that the CTSIB test calls for a static platform on which to achieve the test. While a foam pad is introduced for certain conditions, the test cannot be performed accurately on a dynamic-only surface from the protocol.
Prove Need. Progress. Outcome – All test results and training sessions can be stored and printed. Comparison to normative data helps communicate need, progress and outcome.
The Problem with Holding On
It is widely accepted that patients should avoid holding on in order to reap full functional benefits of balance training. However, patients with fear of falling require some degree of stability. The FreeSway Handles for the Balance System SD are the only balance training option that allows patients to experience unimpeded postural sway – while holding on.
Remember Learning to Ride a Bike?
Think of the FreeSway Handles as training wheels for balance. The handles “float” securely within support rings. If the patient sways too far or loses their balance, the handles will touch the outer edge of the ring and allow the patient to correct the movement. Patients will progressively gain an understanding of their sway envelope, which will carry over into everyday activities.
Key therapy benefits:
Enable Fall Risk Exercise for More Older Adults
Fear of falling keeps a large percentage of the ageing population from taking part in balance and exercise programs that could help them gain and retain quality of life. The FreeSway Handles on the Balance System SD let older patients safely learn to control their postural sway under various conditions – for example, on unstable surfaces or with eyes closed. Patients feel safe, but without the restriction of fixed support.
Biodex Balance Assessment adds the objective, neuro-physical component for the management of concussion. The benefit is that clinicians are able to quantify the elements of balance – before and after an injury occurs.
Detailed summary and progress reports track recovery and provide the medical team with quantitative data to help with the return-to-play decision.
Biodex Balance Assessment is conducted using either the versatile Balance System SD or portable BioSway. The Biodex Balance System SD is a sophisticated measuring and training device for static and dynamic balance testing and training. The BioSway is a portable balance device with a static-only platform.
The mCTSIB can be performed on either Biodex Balance device, designed to systematically test the sensory selection process by compromising available somatosensory, visual, and vestibular senses while measuring an athlete’s ability to minimise postural sway.
The Sway Index is an objective quantification of postural sway and is measured during the mCTSIB. The test provides a generalised assessment of how well an athlete can integrate various senses with respect to balance, and compensate when one or more of those senses are compromised. A higher Sway Index indicates a reduction in the athlete’s ability to remain steady during the test.
In addition to performing the CTSIB test the NEW version of the Balance System SD software now includes the option of conducting a modified version of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) test if postural stability, popular for concussion management. Both systems now feature the ability to create custom sensory integration balance testing which allows for modification of existing or the creation of entirely new protocols with both the CTSIB and BESS tests.
Clinical Test of Sensory Integration of Balance (CTSIB)
The Biodex mCTSIB quantifies postural sway under these four sensory conditions
1 Guskiewicz, KM, et al, Postural Stability and Neuropsychological Deficits After Concussion in Collegiate Athletes (Journal of Athletic Training 2001;36(3):263–273
2 Valovich McLeod T, The Value of Various Assessment Techniques in Detecting the Effects of Concussion on Cognition, Symptoms, and Postural Control. Journal of Athletic Training 2009;44(6):663–665
3 Broglio SP, Macciocchi SN, Ferrara MS. Sensitivity of the concussion assessment battery. Neurosurgery. 2007;60:1050-1057; discussion 1057-1058.
4 Finnoff, JT, et al (2009). Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). PM&R, Volume 1, Issue 1, January 2009
5 McCrory P, Meeuwisse W, Johnston K, Dvorak J, Aubry M, Molloy M, et al. Consensus statement on concussion in sport the 3rd International Conference on concussion in sport, held in Zurich, November 2008. J Clin Neurosci. 2009;16:755–63.
6 Guskiewicz, KM, et al (2004). National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Management of Sport-Related Concussion Journal of Athletic Training 2004;39(3):280–297