A virtual system for postural stability assessment based on a TOF camera and a mirror

Postural stability is often compromised in many pathological states and decreases with age. In clinical practice, an objective tool for balance is fundamental. Recently, virtual tools, based on the use of depth cameras, have been presented. In this paper, a new virtual system for postural stability assessment was presented, involving the use of a Time of Flight camera (TOF) and of a mirror for the reduction of the occlusions errors by allowing the camera to see the hidden body surface. The validity of the tool was assessed through some experimental results. Data were also compared with those measured by a physical force platform and those calculated with another virtual stability assessment system, in order to highlight the error reduction while maintaining simplicity and low-cost.