Computerized Balance System

A computerised balance system is a specialised platform used to objectively measure and improve a patient's balance and postural control — essential for safe standing, walking and preventing falls.

How It Works

The patient stands on a sensitive force platform, sometimes within a moving visual surround, while the system precisely measures how they maintain balance and shift their weight. By varying the support surface and visual input, it can test how well a person uses the different senses — vision, the inner ear, and body position — that together control balance.

Assessment

The system provides objective data on balance ability, weight distribution and fall risk, helping clinicians pinpoint specific deficits — for example, over-reliance on vision, or weakness on one side after a stroke — and track progress precisely over time.

Training

The same platform is used for retraining. Interactive, game-like tasks give real-time feedback as patients practise shifting weight and maintaining stability, gradually increasing the challenge as they improve. This targeted practice helps retrain the balance systems.

Who Benefits

It is valuable for patients recovering from stroke and brain injury, those with neurological or vestibular conditions, and orthopaedic patients rebuilding stability after surgery. As part of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme, computerised balance training helps restore confidence, mobility and safety, and reduces the risk of falls.