Assessment of postural balance using a low-cost force plate: a study on biomechanical parameters and clinical implications

Introduction There are several methods for assessing posture in humans. One of the tools used for posture assessment is the force plate, which can measure various biomechanical parameters related to human movement. However, due to its high cost, it is only available in hospitals or some specialised laboratories. In this research, a low-cost force plate was utilised to assess human posture. Methods Testing was conducted with 15 male and female volunteers aged between 18 and 25 years. The participants were asked to stand statically on the low-cost force plate with their eyes open and closed. The evaluation included measuring ground reaction forces (GRF), centre of pressure (COP), and plantar pressure distribution (PPD). Results These values indicate human posture and can be used to assess posture in a clinical setting, providing appropriate guidance for potential injuries that may occur in the future. Conclusions This tool can be further developed for use with various demographics, including healthy individuals, patients, and athletes of different sports types, to assess, guide, and promote appropriate posture.