Abstract

Balance impairments are a common and widespread concern in human health. Acquired through genetics, aging, illness, or prolonged exposure to different environments such as travel by sea or travel in outer space; balance impairments pose significant challenges to those affected. Traditionally, balance studies have been largely qualitative. However, technological advancements have allowed for new methodologies to be developed for analyzing postural sway in a quantitative manner. In this thesis, custom force plate technology, an advanced inertial motion unit (IMU) motion capture system, and a mechanical motion platform, in tandem with a gamification system, were integrated to collect and analyze quantitative data to offer valuable insights into an individual’s sway characteristics and postural control mechanisms. Results from the study validate the use of the system to strengthen its feasibility as a valuable tool for facilitating larger human subject studies. Identification of pertinent data for conducting balance assessments was explored, and a protocol for utilizing the system to gather and display this data was established. Center of Pressure (COP), Center of Mass (COM), and body segment data were used to analyze movement in mediolateral (ML) and anterior-posterior (AP) directions to help answer the overall question: How can virtual reality, motion capture, and a mechanical platform system be integrated to quantitatively assess changes in human balance responses? The versatility of the system was leveraged to have a subject perform tasks under different visual conditions and platform positions. Methods used in this thesis for collection and presentation of data showed that the gamification system is able to detect changes in postural sway, which is vital to being able to conduct larger group studies. The findings underscore the system’s potential to be used for biomechanical analysis, medical rehabilitation and balance training.

Publication Date

7-22-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Mechanical Engineering (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Mechanical Engineering

College

Kate Gleason College of Engineering

Advisor

Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard

Advisor/Committee Member

Michael Schertzer

Advisor/Committee Member

Isaac Perez-Raya

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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