The Romberg's sign: from walking in the dark to tests on the force plate

Abstract

A quantitative assessment of stability (body balance, equilibrium) and sensory support of the upright position, with identification of the "contributions" from various sensory systems, is the basis for the force plate tests similar to the Romberg's test. The purpose of this paper is to describe the Romberg's test evolution from its introduction to objective quantitative force plate tests (stabilometry) in the context of studies into the sensory support of the upright position in humans. The use of force plates for quantitative characterization of the body balance in the upright position with changing sensory conditions has added a higher sensitivity and accuracy to this assessment, providing for a more precise differentiation of various conditions. The tests originating from the Romberg's one but performed on a force plate can be considered as a quantitative investigation into the functioning of the sensory systems participating in the support of the upright position, as well as a tool for the assessment of their isolated contributions and central integration. The value of such tests for clinical medicine is related to a higher level of verification of the body balance abnormalities in various disorders, with an improvement of diagnosis and potential for differential diagnosis. With these assessments being non-invasive, it is feasible to use them for evaluation of changes of the upright equilibrium over time under treatment and rehabilitation procedures in neurology, traumatology and orthopedics, otolaryngology, sports medicine and other areas.