Concurrent Validity of Postural Sway Measures in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Aims: To examine concurrent validity of inertial sensor (APDM ISway) versus force plate center of pressure (COP) measures of postural sway in cognitively impaired older adults. Methods: Participants, mean age 85.6 (SD 4.8), were tested in 4 static standing conditions: (1) eyes open/normal base, (2) eyes open/narrow base, (3) eyes closed/normal base, and (4) eyes closed/narrow base. ISway and COP measures were collected. Results: Strong correlations between ISway trunk sway smoothness [ISway JERK, (m²/s⁵)] and COP path length (r?=?0.67–0.85) and COP mean velocity (r?=?0.77–0.87); also ISway total sway acceleration path length/trail duration [ISway PATH, (m²/s²)] and COP path length (r?=?0.77–0.87) and COP mean velocity (r?=?0.77–0.91). Increased sway was detected in narrow versus normal base and eyes closed versus open conditions (P = .001). Conclusions: APDM ISway demonstrated concurrent validity to force-plate COP and changes in postural sway were detected between conditions.