Recurrence Quantification Analysis as a Form of Postural Control Assessment: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Human postural control is commonly assessed by center of pressure (CoP) displacement analysis. However, traditional linear parameters do not provide a complete picture of postural control, so a number of nonlinear analyses have been introduced. One of these is recurrence quantification analysis (RQA), which is used to determine the number and duration of repeated states in a dynamic system. This review aimed to show how the RQA measures look in different groups of subjects when assessing postural stability during quiet standing and how the authors interpret them. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted of papers published from 2000 to February 2023. Searched databases were PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO. Twenty-eight publications were included in this review. The RQA parameters most commonly found in papers are %DET (determinism), ENT (Shannon entropy), %REC (recurrence), and %LAM (laminarity). %LAM is the most sensitive factor in determining differences in CoP position between different age groups, as it describes motion fluidity. The vision affects the deterministic structure of CoP motions. When the sensory organization test conditions became difficult, CoP variability increased, while the %DET decreased. It was concluded that traditional and nonlinear methods provide complementary and not redundant information for assessing age- and health-related changes in standing balance.

The Impact of Induced Acceleration Perturbations in Selected Phases of the Gait Cycle on Kinematic and Kinetic Parameters

“…This study employed a perturbation protocol using the Grail system (Motek Medical BV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands), which allowed for precise timing and intensity control of perturbations. The findings indicate that all perturbations significantly influenced the examined parameters, probably due to the application of high perturbation force [4]. A consistent significant alteration observed across all perturbations was the reduction in full knee extension, as evidenced by the knee joint angle curves (Figure 2B) and extreme values for the knee extension angle (Table 2).…”

“…In contrast to Shokouhi, et al's [28] trip-like perturbation, which involved rapidly decelerating the belt under the dominant foot, this study utilized accelerations. Additionally, Błażkiewicz and Hadamus [4] assessed gait regularity during external perturbations caused by treadmill belt acceleration and deceleration across different phases of the gait cycle. They found that perturbations caused by treadmill belt deceleration contribute to higher irregularities, with the most irregular behavior observed during the Pre-Swing phase (vertical direction) among those caused by acceleration.…”

“…In fields such as physics, mathematics, and biology, perturbation refers to a small change or disturbance applied to a system or process, which can lead to alterations in its behavior, properties, or outcomes [1,2]. These disturbances can arise from external forces [3], such as environmental conditions or physical interactions with objects in the surroundings [4]. Alternatively, they can originate from internal factors, including physiological changes or neural signals within the organism [5].…”

“…To date, many perturbation methods have been proposed in the literature. These include placing obstacles underfoot [10], using slippery or unstable surfaces [11], moving plates [12], and unexpected treadmill accelerations and decelerations [4,10,13]. The field of gait perturbation research, particularly involving both one and dual-belt Disclaimer/Publisher's Note: The statements, opinions, and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s).…”

“…Research focused on perturbations is strictly related to the adaptive functions of the human neuromuscular system that allow the maintenance of balance and straight position [4,6,[17][18][19]. As individuals age, they typically exhibit decreased capacity to adapt to external disturbances, potentially heightening their vulnerability to falls [20,21].…”