(CDP) is a non-invasive specialised clinical assessment tool used to quantify the central nervous system’s adaptive mechanisms (sensory, motor and central) involved in the control of posture and balance. It can be used both in normal conditions (such as in physical education and sports training) and abnormal conditions (particularly in the diagnosis of balance disorders). It can also be used in physical therapy for vestibular rehabilitation and postural re-education.
Due to the complex interactions among the sensory, motor, and central processes involved in posture and balance control, CDP requires different protocols to differentiate among the many defects and impairments, which may affect a subject’s postural control system. CDP challenges that system by using different combinations of visual and support surface stimuli. It has been proven effective in assessing vestibular as well as some neuromuscular disorders affecting balance.
Our comprehensive assessment of postural systems (CAPS™), is designed specifically to quickly identify patients at risk of a fall.
CAPS™ uses a sensitive diagnostic force plate and special software to assess balance function. The software incorporates a computer based data acquisition system to monitor and record patient movements. Data is acquired while the patients eyes are closed and their proprioceptive input is significantly reduced. Reduction of proprioceptive input is achieved by the use of a specially constructed foam that changes the compliance of the surface on which the patient is standing. The combination of closed eyes and perturbed surface effectively deprives the patient of two of their sensory inputs, requiring them the to rely on their vestibular system to maintain balance.
The software compares the subject to an age, height and sex matched normative database to produce a report on the subject’s stability. If the subject fails the test, the report also recommends a focused history, physical evaluation, visual acuity test, and hearing test for patients whose balance falls into moderately, severely or profoundly impaired categories. It also advises the physician that the chance of a false positive in such cases is extremely remote.
After patients have been diagnosed the CAPS™ software may be used to measure therapy progress, or aid in documenting therapy outcomes.