Sway analysis is a systematic assessment of the readiness and stability of the human body to
achieve and maintain equilibrium. Sway plays an important role in the overall postural alignment
and physical balance of the body, and its analysis is critical in understanding how and why we
sway in order to maintain posture and achieve balance.
Sway is the oscillating movement of the body, while posture is the relative alignment and orientation
of the segments of the body. Sway and posture interact to attain physical balance - the harmony
between the manner of swaying and maintaining posture. Achieving and preserving equilibrium provides
a sense of balance that allows you to stand upright or be in motion without falling over.
SAM™ (Sway Analysis Module) is an add-on software module to the
MatScan®, MatScan® XL,
HR Mat™, F-Mat™ and
F-Scan® systems.
It is the ideal tool to analyze sway and assess posture by detecting and measuring parameters
that would otherwise be unseen by the naked eye.
Easily Capture & Analyze Data:
1) The subject simply stands on the mat sensor to capture
data (in natural standing or desired fixed position)
2) With just a click of your mouse, easily receive data on:
area and direction of sway
elliptical pattern of sway
distance and direction traveled by Center of Force (CoF)
The patient above swayed differently and to a greater extent, as shown in the Variance Comparison Table
(red box above):
The area of sway is greater (almost two-fold) with eyes closed.
Distance and excursions for the CoF are greater with eyes closed.
Weight bearing and pressure distribution shifted with eyes closed.
Note: The A-P excursions for the CoF eyes closed are more than double the excursions with
eyes open, while the M-L excursions differ slightly. This indicates that vision and the
associated sensorimotor systems affect the sway pattern and play a role in maintaining
balance and posture. It also indicates plausible presence of other perturbed proprioreceptors
and sensorimotor mechanisms in the control of sway, maintenance of posture and balance.
Applications
With SAM, use the given parameters to assess and treat instability and reduce the risk of injury as well as study and investigate sway in the following applications:
Physical and Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation
Sports Podiatry, Athletic Training, and Injury Management
Chiropractics
Risk Assessment and Fall Prevention in Diabetics and the Elderly
Orthopedics (joint, ankle, knee, hip) Stability Pre- and Post-Surgery
Treatments, Prosthetic, and Orthotic interventions
Dentistry and Orthodontics (Occlusion and TMJ Joint Disorders)
Kinesiology and Osteopathy (Neuromusculoskeletal Dysfunctions and Back Problems)
Neurology and Physiatry (Neuromusculoskeletal Pathologies and Physical Disabilities)
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