Researcher(s)
- Henry Allen-Poku, Occupational Therapy, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Sheri Silfies, Physical Therapy, University of Delaware
Abstract
Dynamic Trunk Control Assessment using an IMU-Based Seated Balance Task: A Pilot Study
Background:
Trunk control training is essential in rehabilitation, injury prevention, and enhancing athletic performance. While most clinical assessments focus on trunk strength or endurance, few toolsquantify the dynamic trunk control related to proprioception and movement accuracy. This pilot study aimed to explore the addition of inertial measurement units (IMUs) to a clinical balance device and protocol to quantify dynamic trunk control.
Methods:
Five healthy participants were used to develop a testing protocol for a larger project. Two IMUs were mounted beneath a Fitterfirst Professional Balance Board. After a familiarization session, participants completed eyes open (EO) warm-up trials. Testing included eyes-closed (EC) trials and active tilting tasks in four directions to assess participant’s limits of trunk control. Each trial began with a 10-second EO baseline followed by a 30-second balance task while participants sat with arms and ankles crossed, using only their trunk to maintain balance. Clinical errors wererecorded when participants opened their eyes, uncrossed their limbs, or the board touched the surface.
Results:
Clinical error counts ranged from 0 to 6 per trial and consistently occurred when gravitational acceleration measured by the IMUs exceeded the EO baseline by ±1 m/s². Trunk control performance was quantified using total error count, duration of balance maintenance, and limits of control (tilt angle, tilt rate, and medio-lateral acceleration). Data suggested that a participant’s control strategy could be inferred from how close they came to their control limits during EC trials and reflected individual control strategies, differentiating stiffer vs. looser dynamic trunk control.
Conclusion:
This pilot study indicates that combining IMU data with a clinical trunk control test is a promising method for quantifying dynamic trunk control. Further research is needed to validate this approach and expand its clinical utility across different populations.