SMART EQUITEST®
Description
Assessment Protocols
Training Protocols
Optional Capabilities
Automated Documentation
Description
The SMART EquiTest® provides objective assessment of balance control and postural stability under dynamic test conditions to reflect the challenges of daily life. The SMART EquiTest includes the full battery of tests that comprise Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP). The System provides assessment and retraining capabilities with visual biofeedback on either a stable or unstable support surface and in a stable or dynamic visual environment.
The System utilizes a dynamic 18" x 18" dual forceplate with rotation and translation capabilities to measure the vertical forces exerted by the patient's feet; and a moveable visual surround.
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Objective Assessment Protocols
The interactive technology and clinically proven protocols allow the clinician to objectively and systematically manipulate somatosensory and visual information. The precise test data accurately identifies and differentiates underlying sensory and motor impairments, and enhances the ability to diagnose and treat problems of imbalance and postural instability, especially for those patients who previously proved difficult to diagnose.
The SMART EquiTest includes the following standardized assessment protocols:
- SOT, MCT and ADT comprise the core battery of tests recognized as Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP), considered the highest standard available for diagnosing the functional impairments underlying balance disorders.
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Dynamic Training Protocols
Interactive, functional training exercises using visual biofeedback, coupled with sensitive, real-time monitoring of movement motivates patients to achieve greater balance control faster. Exercise protocols available on the SMART EquiTest can be tailored to meet individual patient needs and can be progressed as the patient's capabilities improve.
Proprioceptive/sensory-motor and visual training can be enhanced as the clinician can independently set the movement of the support surface and/or visual surround:
- Responsive: The support surface and/or visual surround move in response to, and as a result of patient movement.
- Variably Responsive: The surface and/or visual surround move in response to the patient, but the degree of movement varies each time the patient moves.
- Random: The surface and/or visual surround movements are computer driven and are completely unpredictable so the patient must constantly adjust their balance in response to the changing surface and/or visual environment.
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Optional Capabilities
With the optional long (18" x 60") static forceplate, the SMART EquiTest can provide the additional functional assessment and retraining capabilities as included on the Balance Master®.
The Head Shake-Sensory Organization Test (HS-SOT) can be added to the SMART EquiTest for objective identification of abnormalities in the patient's use of vestibular inputs for balance during active head movements.
An EMG option is available, which provides additional stimulus during support surface rotations, and allows the clinician to obtain a detailed analysis of a patient's CNS and motor function.
Objective quantification of VOR impairment is available with the addition of the optional inVision™ package, which includes the Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) and Gaze Stabilization Test (GST) protocols.
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Automated Documentation
The System automatically documents all assessments and training sessions for verification of patient progress and functional outcome. NeuroCom®, a division of Natus® automated reports.
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