Spectral signature of forces to discriminate perturbations in standing posture.

Abstract

This study proposes a methodology for the collection and analysis of the spectral characteristics of human movement patterns. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of the spectral signature obtained from postural forces and the usefulness of the technique in identifying perturbations in standing posture. Data collected included trials of the experimental protocol under normal standing conditions and under three experimental conditions designed to perturb stability. Results of this investigation indicated that spectral signatures created from ground forces using the methodology proposed in this study were highly reliable within individuals and across different testing sessions. These data further indicate that spectral signatures obtained from ground reaction forces during standing provide a sensitive indicator of an individual's postural stability.