Posturography (Balance Assessment)

Understanding Your Balance: Introducing BtrackS

Balance is fundamental to almost every movement we make, from walking and standing to playing sports and preventing falls. It’s often something we take for granted until it’s challenged.

At our Dalby practice, we’re proud to offer Balance Tracking Systems (BtrackS), a cutting-edge, objective technology designed to precisely measure and analyze your balance. BtrackS uses advanced sensors and software to provide a highly accurate “balance fingerprint” that helps us understand your unique stability profile.

Unlike subjective balance tests, BtrackS gives us quantifiable data, allowing for a much more precise assessment of your balance capabilities.

Why is Balance Assessment Important?

Assessing your balance is crucial for several reasons:

• Fall Prevention: Falls are a major health concern, especially as we age. Identifying subtle balance impairments early can allow for interventions to significantly reduce your risk of falling.
• Performance Enhancement: For athletes, optimal balance is key to agility, coordination, and preventing injuries. BtrackS can help identify areas for improvement.
• Baseline Data: Establishing a baseline measurement allows us to track changes in your balance over time due to age, injury, or illness.
• Monitoring Recovery: If you’re recovering from an injury (e.g., concussion, ankle sprain) or surgery, BtrackS helps objectively monitor your progress and readiness to return to activity.
• Early Detection of Issues: Balance problems can sometimes be an early indicator of underlying health conditions, including neurological disorders, inner ear problems, or side effects of certain medications.

By understanding your balance objectively, we can provide targeted advice and interventions to help you maintain stability and confidence in your daily life.

What Conditions Can BtrackS Help Manage?

BtrackS is an invaluable tool in the assessment and management of various conditions and scenarios where balance is a key factor:

• Post-Concussion Assessment: Objective balance testing is a critical component in evaluating recovery from a concussion and guiding return-to-play or return-to-learn decisions.
• Fall Risk Assessment: For older adults or individuals with a history of falls, BtrackS provides precise data to identify risk factors and tailor prevention strategies.
• Neurological Conditions: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke recovery, or peripheral neuropathy can affect balance. BtrackS helps monitor progression and the effectiveness of therapies.
• Vestibular Disorders: Problems with the inner ear (vestibular system) can cause dizziness and balance issues. BtrackS helps quantify the impact of these disorders.
• Orthopedic Injuries/Surgery: Assessing balance pre- and post-surgery (e.g., knee or hip replacement, ankle reconstruction) helps guide rehabilitation and optimize recovery.
• Sports Performance: Athletes can use BtrackS to identify subtle balance deficits that might impact performance or increase injury risk, allowing for targeted training.
• General Health & Wellness: For anyone interested in understanding their body’s capabilities and proactively maintaining their stability.

What to Expect During a BtrackS Assessment?

A BtrackS balance assessment is quick, easy, and completely non-invasive.

1. Preparation: You’ll be asked to remove your shoes and socks.
2. Standing on the Platform: You will stand quietly on a small, stable force plate.
3. Simple Tasks: You’ll typically be asked to perform a few simple tasks, such as:
   • Standing still with your eyes open.
   • Standing still with your eyes closed (this can often reveal subtle balance issues).
   • Possibly standing on one leg.
4. Data Capture: The BtrackS system will capture tiny shifts in your body’s sway while you perform these tasks. The computer then analyzes this data.
5. Quick Process: Each test takes only a few seconds, and the entire assessment is usually completed within 5-10 minutes.
6. Review of Results: Your optometrist or a trained professional will review your personalized balance report with you, explaining the findings and discussing any recommendations for improving your balance and stability.

At our Dalby practice, we’re committed to helping you maintain your independence and quality of life. The BtrackS system allows us to provide a deeper understanding of your balance, empowering you with knowledge and proactive solutions.

Take the first step towards better balance and confidence! Contact us today to schedule your BtrackS assessment!