Accuracy and discrimination validity of an accelerometry-based postural sway meter

Decline in postural control and balance is an established risk factor contributing to falls in older population. An accuracy and affordable assessment device would be beneficial for investigating postural and balance performance which then refer to falls risk management. We examined a) the correlation of postural sway assessment between a developed accelerometry-based device and three-dimensional motion analysis, and b) examined discrimination validity of the developed device. The findings implied good validity of the developed accelerometry-based device. We also found that the developed accelerometry-based device could differentiate sway in anteroposterior direction between older and young adults. This device could be another choice of balance and postural assessment tools for using in community and clinical practice.