Foam pads properties and their effects on posturography in participants of different weight

Abstract

BackgroundFoam pads are increasingly used on force platforms during balance assessments in order to produce increased instability thereby permitting the measurement of enhanced posturographic parameters. A variety of foam pads providing different material properties have thus been used, although it is still unclear which characteristics produce the most effective and reliable tests. Furthermore, the effects of participant bodyweight on the performance of the foam pads and outcome of the test are unknown. This project investigated how different foam samples affected postural sway velocity in participants of different weights.MethodFour foam types were tested according to a modified American Society for Testing and Materials standard method for testing flexible cellular materials. Thirty-six healthy male factory workers divided into three groups according to body mass were tested three times for each of the 13 randomly-selected experimental situations for changes in postural sway velocity in this cross-over study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to compare the results and evaluate the difference in sway velocity between mass groups.ResultsFor the materials considered here, the modulus of elasticity of the foam pads when compressed by 25% of their original heights was inversely proportional to their density. The largest changes in postural sway velocity were measured when the pads of highest stiffness were used, with memory foam pads being the least likely to produce significant changes.ConclusionsThe type of foam pads used in posturography is indeed important. Our study shows that the samples with a higher modulus of elasticity produced the largest change in postural sway velocity during quiet stance. The results suggest that foam pads used for static computerised posturography should 1) possess a higher modulus of elasticity and 2) show linear deformation properties matched to the participants’ weight.

Differences in Responses on the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance on Medium Firm and Medium Density Foam in Healthy Controls and Patients with Vestibular Disorders

“…The finding of age-related differences has been confirmed by other investigators [8]. Other investigators have also shown that different types of foam from different manufacturers affect the score [8][9][10][11][12]. Different levels of elasticity and thickness yielded different scores on postural control velocity, torque variances, and other measures.…”

Normative Performance on the Balance Error Scoring System by Youth, High School, and Collegiate Athletes

“…33 Researchers have established that standing on the foam pad decreases postural stability by disrupting the reliability of the somatosensory input 34 ; however, because males are likely to have a larger mass than females, the increased deflection of the balance pad could theoretically provide an advantage in the BESS foam conditions, particularly for those weighing more than 90 kg. 35 Lastly, psychological factors, including motivation and attentiveness, may explain sex differences among age cohorts. 21 Males were less attentive and more agitated during postural-stability tasks, which could result in worse performance during balance testing.…”

Influence of the Plantar Cutaneous Information in Postural Regulation Depending on the Age and the Physical Activity Status

“…Patel et al ( 2008a , b ) have suggested that thin rubber of foam enables closer contact with the rigid surface beneath the foam, which allows plantar tactile sensory feedback and ankle movements to be more effective. In addition, the deformation properties of the foam surface matched to the participants’ weight (Gosselin and Fagan, 2015 ). The heavier participants might be in closer contact with surface beneath the foam.…”

“…Caution should be taken when using foam pads on force platforms during balance assessments. To evidence a postural control difference in relation to the physical activity status, the postural task difficulty has to be accurately calibrated, since the foam properties (Patel et al, 2008a , b ) and the anthropometric characteristics of the participant (Gosselin and Fagan, 2015 ) may alter posturographic data.…”