抄録
In order to assess the equilibrium function of various patients quantitatively, a force plate which records sway of the center of gravity of a standing subject has been used recently in otorhinolaryngology, orthopedics, clinical neurology and other fields. From the data of a force plate, it is possible to calculate, for example, displacement, velocity and power spectrum of sway of the center of gravity. But it seems that a restriction is imposed on the information which is obtained under the condition of quiet standing.
We have tried to design and make a servo-controlled force plate that could follow arbitrary wave form input horizontally in order to get dynamic information about the equilibrium function. For the convenience of manipulation and maintenance, we adopted an electrical servomechanism which employed a /print motor as an actuator. The platform is supported by two beam type load cells and one spherical bearing and the point of application (center of pressure) of vertical force is determined.
Preliminary analysis of reactions of normal subjects to platform movements indicated that this servo-controlled force plate would provide valid information of postural performance not only in clinical application but also in physiology and physical training.
