Date of Award
Spring 1993
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biomedical Engineering
First Advisor
Prieto, Thomas
Second Advisor
Myklebust, Joel
Third Advisor
Reynolds, Norman
Abstract
Little research has been done comparing the standing balance measures and asymmetries between Parkinson's Disease(PD). Huntington's Disease(HD), and normal subjects. Research in this area may help in understanding the deficiencies in the balance control system of HD and PD subjects. The objective of this thesis is to determine if a dual force plate balance platform is useful in quantifying the deficiencies in the balance control system of fill and PD subjects. A dual plate balance platform is available at the Laboratory of Sensory-Motor Performance at the Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A study was performed in which data was collected from five subjects from PD, and HD groups and age-matched normals. PD and HD subjects were selected by a neurologist from a specific stage of the disease. Each subject was asked to stand on the dual force platform for thirty seconds as steadily as possible. Two trials were conducted one with eyes open and one with eyes closed. The balance control systems of the HD, PD, and normal subjects were compared using measures of postural steadiness, weight distribution, and asymmetry. Chapter One of this thesis is an introduction to postural steadiness and stability including a literature review. Chapter Two describes the physiology related to postural control. This includes the physiology of maintenance of posture and balance, and the physiology of Parkinson's and Huntington's Disease. Chapter Three describes the dual plate balance platform measurement system. The physical construction of the dual plate balance platform, the development of signal conditioning circuitry, the description of the calibration procedure, and the comparison of the dual plate balance platform to the Kistler balance platform are discussed. Chapter Four describes the methods used to collect the dual plate balance data and the methods used to analyze the data collected. Chapter Five describes the results from the data analysis discussed in chapter four. It includes the results from postural steadiness measures, weight distribution measures, and asymmetry measures. Also, results from the two-dimensional coherence analysis are provided. Chapter Six concludes the thesis with a discussion of the results and suggestions for future work.
Recommended Citation
Milkowski, Lisa M., "Asymmetries of Postural Steadiness in Parkinson's and Huntington's Disease Versus Normal Subjects" (1993). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 4751.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/4751