The design of a force platform for clinical use: a feasibility study of stabilography in evaluating the effect of orthotic intervention in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Abstract

A force platform was built that was shown to meet the design and operating specifications for clinical use in the application of techniques of stabilography to investigate disturbances of equilibrium in young boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The force platform was tested for reliability and repeatability and results were at an acceptable level for clinical application. Further, the design of the force platform and the associated software for system operation and computation of results were usable by non-technical staff. A feasibility study reporting the effect of the application of orthoses to a group of eight boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who had lost the ability to walk independently, is represented.