The influence of frequency of visual disorders on stabilographic parameters.

PURPOSE: Defining the influence of parameters of visual disorders on ability of balancing turns out to be an important process in effective diagnostics. Current diagnostic methods relating mainly to determination of the coefficient of BRUTM (Balance Rehabilitation Unit Trade Mark) depend on lots of tests carried out in a disturbed environment created by Virtual Reality Technology. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the frequency of visual disturbances on stabilographic values in the virtual reality environment.

METHODS: The study was carried out involving one research group in Virtual Cave. There were induced visual disturbances with different frequencies and with the change of frequency during measuring the position of the center of pressure (COP) in the test. Before each test the reference test was performed. All tests were performed with disorders in two different sceneries: closed and open scenery. All measurements were carried out on an immobile Zebris platform which enables determination of feet pressure distribution. From the measured values of the position of the COP Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT) was calculated.

RESULTS: The results of calculation are shown in graphs. Their analysis showed that changing the parameters of disorder frequency in world created using Virtual Reality Technology affects stabilographic parameters. The intensity of these changes is also affected by applied research scenery.

CONCLUSIONS: Conditions have been set out to carry out similar studies in order to obtain reliable results. The study is the first step in a project to develop a system for diagnosis and rehabilitation of human movement using Virtual Reality Technology.