Test of Balance (TOB)
Dynamic Posturography

The Test of Balance (TOB) or Dynamic Posturography is a simple, up-to-date and quick method to evaluate under static conditions the Center of Gravity (COG) in patients showing neurosensorial disorders.

We have developed a 50 x 50 cm. static platform, with four pressure sensors (one at each corner) having a force range from 0 through 100 Kg. each one.

Each sensor produces a small voltage proportional to the pressure supported.

Equipo de Posturografía Dinámica

Equipment for Dynamic Posturography or "TOB"

The platform holds the electronic elements required to amplify these analogic signals and convert them into digital format.

This information is processed by the computer which, through a special Test of Balance (TOB) software, identifies the Center of Gravity in four different conditions during 30 seconds:

  • Stable condition with visual fixing.
  • Stable condition without visual fixing.
  • Unstable condition on Foam with visual fixing.
  • Unstable condition on Foam without visual fixing.

based on the CTSIB (Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction of Balance) or «Foam and Dome» suggested by Shumaway-Cook and Horak.

Test of Balance (TOB) – Stable and Unstable Condition

Through evaluation it is possible to establish the rate of each one of the neurosensorial systems involved in equilibrium. i.e. visual, somatosensory and vestibular systems.

By means of our statistical studies we have proved that 40% in equilibriometric distribution belongs to visual system, while vestibular and somatosensory systems participate with 30% each one.

Test of Balance (TOB) – Patient showing Alzheimer’s Disease. Sharp drop of visual system in Equilibriometric Distribution outline.

Important variations are observed in central and peripheral vestibular patients, as well as in patients with cortical cerebral disorders, as it is the case of Alzheimer’s Disease, showing a sharp drop of equilibriometric distribution of visual system.

New investigations

  • Archives for Sensology and Neurootology in Science and Practice. ASN
    XXXIII Congress of the NES – Bad Kissingen – Germany – Page 2 – 2006
    Bipedestation studied by Posturography
    Dr.med. Guillermo O. Bertora, Dr.med. Julia M. Bergmann, Dipl. Ing. Daniel Contarino (Buenos Aires (Argentina), BuenosAires (Argentina))
  • Archives for Sensology and Neurootology in Science and Practice. ASN
    XXXIII Congress of the NES – Bad Kissingen – Germany – Page 2 – 2006
    A Comparative Study between Posturography and other Vestibular Tests
    Dr.med. Guillermo O. Bertora, Dr.med. Julia M. Bergmann, Dipl. Ing. Daniel Contarino, Dr. med. Claus F. Müller-Kortkamp, Lic.Psych. María Cecilia Rodriguez (Buenos Aires (Argentina), BuenosAires (Argentina), Soltau (Germany))
  • Archives for Sensology and Neurootology in Science and Practice. ASN
    XXXIII Congress of the NES – Bad Kissingen – Germany – Page 2 – 2006
    Postural Brain Centers studied through Posturography and Brain Electric Tomography (LORETA)
    Dr.med. Guillermo O. Bertora, Dr.med. Julia M. Bergmann, Lic.Psych. María Cecilia Rodriguez (Buenos Aires (Argentina), BuenosAires (Argentina))