RESEARCH Open Access

Center-of-pressure total trajectory length is a complementary measure to maximum excursion feedback provided. Measures computed using the center of pressure (COP), such as the absolute maximal distance reached (COPmax) and the total length travelled by the COP to reach the maximal distance (COPlength), were used J N E R JOURNAL OF NEUROENGINEERINGAND REHABILITATIONLemay et al. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation 2014, 11:8http://www.jneuroengrehab.com/content/11/1/8Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Institut de réadaptation Gingras-Lindsay-de-Montréal, 6300 avenue Darlington Montreal, QC H3S 2J4, Canadato characterize performance in each direction. Quasi-static standing postural balance with eyes open was evaluated using time-domain measures of the COP. The difference between the groups and the association between the dynamic and quasi-static test were analyzed. Results: The COPlength of individuals with SCI was significantly greater (p ≤ 0.001) than that of able-bodied individuals in all tested directions except in the anterior and posterior directions (p ≤ 0.039), indicating an increased COP trajectory while progressing towards their maximal distance. The COPmax in the anterior direction was significantly smaller for individuals with SCI. Little association was found between the comfortable multidirectional limits of stability test and the quasi-static postural balance test (r ≥ −0.658). (Continued on next page