The D+R Balance application: a novel method of assessing postural sway

BACKGROUND: Postural sway can be assessed clinically using the Romberg test, or quantified using dynamic posturography. We assessed the potential use of a novel iPhone application as a method of quantifying sway. METHODS: Fifty healthy volunteers performed the Romberg and tandem Romberg tests on a hard floor and on foam in soundproofed and normal clinic rooms. Postural sway was recorded using the D+R Balance application and data were compared using paired t-tests. RESULTS: Significantly more postural sway was noted in participants when standing with their eyes closed and feet in the 'tandem' position vs feet together; standing with their eyes closed on foam vs on the floor; and standing with their eyes closed on foam with feet in the tandem position vs on the floor with feet together. CONCLUSION: This feasibility study suggests that the iPhone D+R Balance application deserves further investigation as a means of assessing postural sway and may provide an alternative to current dynamic posturography systems.