290
C. Drug˘ a et al.
Besides, all these studies, there are a lot of studies that are oriented on the influence of environmental parameters on human balance and locomotion. The environmental parameters that might need an evaluation are the ones that directly affect the
human body equilibrium systems (vestibular, visual and proprioception systems),
these being: vibrations, sound, light, and surface of the support. Of course, there
are other environmental parameters like temperature, humidity, obstacles, chemicals
that influence human comfort and might have an influence on human equilibrium
and balance.
The hypothesis of this study is that whole body vibrations affect the center of
pressure of the human body.
2 Materials and Methods
Using the Kistler force plate, the experimental stages of the foot support on the
ground and the dynamic parameters (forces and reaction moments) specific to these
phases can be determined. Thus, a mechatronic system is used, namely the Kistler
system (Fig. 1), consisting of a force platform (four piezoelectric sensors), an electric
signal amplifier, two analog-digital acquisition boards, and a user interface program,
BioWare, and a laptop (acquisition system).
The whole body vibration system used is an Insportline equipment (Fig. 2) that
might be used at home for specific exercises.
Fig. 1 General setup that was used to determine the coordinates of the center of pressure [9]
C. Drug˘ a et al.
Besides, all these studies, there are a lot of studies that are oriented on the influence of environmental parameters on human balance and locomotion. The environmental parameters that might need an evaluation are the ones that directly affect the
human body equilibrium systems (vestibular, visual and proprioception systems),
these being: vibrations, sound, light, and surface of the support. Of course, there
are other environmental parameters like temperature, humidity, obstacles, chemicals
that influence human comfort and might have an influence on human equilibrium
and balance.
The hypothesis of this study is that whole body vibrations affect the center of
pressure of the human body.
2 Materials and Methods
Using the Kistler force plate, the experimental stages of the foot support on the
ground and the dynamic parameters (forces and reaction moments) specific to these
phases can be determined. Thus, a mechatronic system is used, namely the Kistler
system (Fig. 1), consisting of a force platform (four piezoelectric sensors), an electric
signal amplifier, two analog-digital acquisition boards, and a user interface program,
BioWare, and a laptop (acquisition system).
The whole body vibration system used is an Insportline equipment (Fig. 2) that
might be used at home for specific exercises.
Fig. 1 General setup that was used to determine the coordinates of the center of pressure [9]