Evaluation of Standing Balance of the Elderly with Different Balance Abilities by using Kinect and Wii Balance Board

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and identify variables for the standing balance of elderly subjects with different balancing abilities by using Kinect and Wii Balance Board.Method: The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) test was performed in 40 elderly subjects aged ≥65 years who can perform daily activities. The participants were divided into two groups, the healthy seniors (n = 20, BBS score ≥ 52) and the seniors with balancing problems (n = 20, BBS score < 52). Each group performed two standing tests (eyes open and eyes close) with two devices (Kinect and Wii Balance Board). The root mean square (RMS), mean distance (MDIST), range of distance (ROD), mean velocity, and 95% ellipse area were calculated from the measured data.Results: Among the calculated variables, RMS, MDIST, and ROD in the mediolateral direction showed significant differences between the two groups and a negative correlation with BBS scores. Conclusion:The results of the present study show that simple standing balance of the elderly can be measured with Kinect and Wii Balance Board, which are low-cost, easy to carry, and easy to use, by using the selected variables.