Summary
A method of measuring human postural movement is described, using measurement of the total length of the locus of postural sway in 60-second epochs with the eyes open and with the eyes closed and expressed as average speed in centimetres per minute. The ratio of the overall mean speed values derived with the eyes open to that with the eyes closed provides an indication of the subject’s dependence upon vision. Two sample case studies indicate clinical applications of the method.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Begbie, G. H. (1966). The effects of alcohol and of varying amount of visual information on a balancing test. Ergonomics, 9, 325–333.
Eysenck, H. J., et al. (1947). Dimensions of Personality: Record of Research, Kegan Paul, London.
Fearing, F. S. (1925). Factors influencing static equilibrium–An experimental study of the effect of controlled and uncontrolled attention upon sway. J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol., 5, 1–24.
Goldberg, L. (1943). Quantitative studies on alcohol tolerance in Man. Acta Physiol. scand., 5, suppl. XVI.
Hellebrandt, S. A. and Brawn, G. L. (1939). The influence of sex and age on the postural sway of man. Am. J. Phys. Antropol., 24, 347–360.
Hinsdale, G. (1887). The station of man, considered physiologically and clinically. Am. J. med. Sci., 93, 78–485.
Murdoch, G. (1969). Balance in the amputee. Physiotherapy, 55, 405–408.
Murray, M. P., Seireg, A. A. and Sepic, S. B. (1977). Normal postural stability and steadiness: quantitative assessment. J. Bone Joint Surg., 57A, 510–264.
Overstall, T. W., Exton-Smith, A. N., Imms, S. J. and Johnson, A. L. (1977). Falls in the elderly related to postural imbalance. Br. med. J., 1, 261–264.
Sheldon, J. H. (1960). On the natural history of falls in old age. Br. med. J., 2, 1685–1690.
Sheldon, J. H. (1963). The effect of age on the control of sway. Gerontol. Clin., 5, 129–138.
Sugano, H. and Tominaga, H. (1973). Effect of loading and labyrinth stimulation on body movement. Agressologie, 14B, 59–64.
Editor information
Copyright information
© 1979 Bioengineering Unit, University of Strathclyde
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Dornan, J., Fernie, G.R., Holliday, P.J. (1979). Romberg’s Test Computerised A Measurable Biologic Parameter With Clinical Applications. In: Kenedi, R.M., Paul, J.P., Hughes, J. (eds) Disability. Strathclyde Bioengineering Seminars. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-04835-9_13
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-04835-9_13
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-04837-3
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-04835-9
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)