A postural examination starts with an interview in which the doctor gathers all useful information on a patient’s life and previous experiences; such information can play an important part in identifying causes of pain and improper postural habits. It is therefore essential to record these data: the software allows creating a patient file to save personal data and the initial “anamnesis”. Digital image acquisition for each body segment of the patient under examination is an essential feature of our posture analysis system and is the first stage in the procedure.
A photo recorded during examination can be immediately compared with a similar photo collected in previous sessions, to assess whether there have been any improvements in posture after a treatment. Another specific function, which can detect the slightest changes in posture, allows two photos taken at different times, to be overlapped showing their outline and creating an animation. The patient can then be given a printed report showing this evidence.
A new device for analysis stabilometric: the load cells are no longer fixed, but are moved under the load points of the patient (generally recognized as the points of greater load – see “Kapandji”). In this three points ( 1st metatarsal, 5th metatarsal and heel), if the patient had an optimal distribution we would have a load-sharing approximately equal to 16% to the 5th metatarsal, to 33% to the 1st metatarsal and to the 505 to the heel. That is technically translated into the design of two points: one is that of an ideal centre of gravity, and the other is that of the real centre of gravity of the patient. This is possible because the load cells are placed from time to time under the load points of the patient and they allow a precise diagnosis and more subjective.
A photo of a patient, of a body segment or in the position required for the analysis may be measured by professionals. Measurements can be taken after specific calibration; there are many types of measurements (linear, angular, angular between two segments, etc.). Virtual plumb-lines can also be drawn on the photo for further reference during postural analysis and to detect forms of dysmetria. Another function professionals may find interesting is the chance to produce a virtual representation of the entire skeleton – and of the vertebral column in particular – if adhesive markers are first attached to the suitable “anatomical landmarks” on the patient.
Once all information necessary about the patient’s history have been collected, the examination can start. It is important to analyse initial posture before modifying any afferent pathways. STATOKINESIGRAM FOR BALANCE ANALYSIS: the length/confidence area ratio is that number that identifies the energy spent by a patient to maintain balance. BALANCE ANALYSIS WITH THE OSCILLOSCOPE: the analysis with the oscilloscope allows separate analysis of lateral and longitudinal displacement as a function of time. This allows identifying correlations between such displacements and their entity. It is different from the “statokinesigram” for stability analysis. FOURIER’S ANALYSIS FOR POSTURAL LUX: Fourier’s analysis allows identifying which body parts are performing movements and their frequency of movement. The whole body is represented by the fundamental frequency analysis and all body parts are represented in the harminics displayed in the graphs.
At the beginning of the examination it is advisable to record patient entry data – general and clinical data. Then the photo acquisition process can be started. Easy search and fast retrieval of photos from a patient’s database is another remarkable feature. This functional is called “Grid” because all the photos recorded are arranged in a grid by date and position used for the analysis. Two photos can be selected for comparison by just clicking on them.
Using the PodataTM diagnostic unit, the software allows measuring by virtually moving the load cells – the elements that “measure” the weight – so as to place them near the heel, the 1st and the 5th metatarsal. The central nervous system, through its extero-proprioceptive receptors, is able to identify the best postural strategies, moment by moment, adapting them to the contingent situation. As regard the upright stance, this efficency is manifested with the distribution of body weight over both feet.