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Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP)

What is CDP?

Computerized Dynamic Posturography, or CDP, is a balance test that shows how your body uses information from your eyes, vestibular system, muscles, and joints to stay steady. During the test, you may stand on a special platform while wearing a safety harness to help prevent falls. The platform may move, or the visual scene in front of you may change. These changes gently challenge your balance while sensors and software measure how your body responds. Your provider can use this information to help understand your balance and compare your results with what is expected for people your age.

A patient completes computerized dynamic posturography while standing on a balance platform and wearing a safety harness.

What Are the Main Parts of a CDP System?

A CDP system may include:

  • A platform you stand on
  • A screen with moving surroundings or virtual reality goggles
  • A safety harness
  • Sensors and computer software

Why Am I Having a CDP Test?

Your provider may recommend CDP if you have:

  • Dizziness
  • Poor balance
  • Unsteadiness
  • Falls or near falls
  • Trouble walking on uneven ground
  • Trouble walking in the dark
  • A feeling that you may lose your balance

CDP may help your provider:

  • Better understand your balance problem
  • Look at how your body uses balance information
  • Help evaluate fall risk
  • Guide vestibular therapy or balance therapy
  • Track your progress over time
  • Add information to other balance or vestibular tests

During CDP Testing, Your Provider May Use Different Test Sections, Such As:

Sensory Organization Test (SOT)

This test looks at how your body uses different types of balance information. This includes information from your eyes, inner ear balance system, muscles, and joints.

During the test, your provider changes what your body can rely on to stay steady. For example, you may stand with your eyes open or closed, or the surface may move slightly.

This helps your provider see which balance information your body uses well and which areas may need more help during therapy.

Motor Control Test (MCT)

This test looks at how your body reacts when the platform moves suddenly.

The goal is to see how quickly your legs and body respond to help keep you steady. You will be wearing a safety harness during the test, so you are protected if you become unsteady.

This test helps your provider understand how your body reacts to unexpected movement in daily life.

Adaptation Test (ADT)

This test looks at how your body adjusts when the same movement happens more than once.

At first, the movement may feel surprising. As it repeats, your brain and body may learn how to respond better.

This helps your provider see how well your balance system adapts to repeated challenges.

Limits of Stability (LOS)

This test looks at how far you can lean or shift your weight while keeping your feet in place.

You are not expected to fall. You will be wearing a safety harness, and your provider will guide you through the test.

This helps show how much control you have when reaching, leaning, or moving your body during daily activities.

Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (CTSIB)

This test looks at how well you balance in different standing conditions.

You may stand with your eyes open or closed. You may also stand on a firm or soft surface.

This helps your provider understand how your balance changes when vision or surface information is limited, such as walking in the dark or standing on uneven ground.

Is the Test Safe?

Yes. CDP is safe and does not involve needles or anything going into your body. You will wear a safety harness to help prevent a fall during the test.

You can ask to:

  • Take a break
  • Stop the test if needed
You can always tell your provider how you are feeling during the test.

Before the Test

What Should I do?

Your provider may ask you to:

  • Avoid alcohol for 1 to 2 days before the test
  •  Avoid caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soda, or energy drinks, on the day of the test
  • Eat a light meal before your appointment
  • Ask about medicines that may affect balance testing

Do not stop taking any medicine unless your provider tells you to.

What Should I Wear?

Wear comfortable clothes and flat, steady shoes.  Your clinic may ask you to remove your shoes during the test.

What to Bring

  • Photo ID
  • Insurance card
  • List of your medicines, or photos of the labels
  • Glasses, hearing aids, or mobility aids (if you use them)
  • A snack and water, if allowed

Should I Bring a Ride?

You may need a ride home.

Some tests can:

  • Make you feel dizzy
  • Cause nausea for a short time
  • Make it unsafe to drive right after

Ask your provider ahead of time if you should plan for a ride.

Questions You May Want to Ask

To learn more about the test and its possible outcomes, it can be helpful to ask questions like:

  • What are you trying to learn from this test?
  •  What symptoms might I feel during the test?
  • When will I get my results?
  •  Who will explain my results to me?
  • What happens next if my test is normal or not normal?

During the Test

What Will Happen?

During the test, you will stand on a special platform. You will wear a safety harness the whole time to help protect you from falling. A provider will also be nearby to guide you.

The platform may stay still or move slightly. You may also be asked to stand with your eyes open or closed. In some parts of the test, the visual scene in front of you may move or change.

These changes are used to gently challenge your balance. Sensors and software measure how your body responds. This helps your provider understand how your eyes, inner ear balance system, muscles, and joints work together to keep you steady.

What to Expect During Balance Testing

How Might I Feel?

You may feel:

  • Unsteady
  •  Dizzy
  •  Lightheaded
  •  A little nauseated

These feelings are common and usually last only a short time. Tell the provider how you feel during the test.

After the Test

How Might I Feel?

Most people feel back to normal within a few minutes and can return to normal activities the same day.

Some people may feel tired or unsteady for a short time.

What Should I Do?

If you feel fine, you can usually return to your normal day.

If you feel dizzy or nauseated:

  • Sit for a few minutes before standing
  •  Drink water
  •  Eat a light snack
  •  Avoid driving until you feel steady
  • Take it easy for the rest of the day if symptoms flare up

When Will I Get Results?

Sometimes your provider can share basic results right away. Other times, the results are reviewed later and explained at a follow-up visit. Results may also be sent to the clinician who ordered the test.

When Should I Call My Provider?

Call your provider if you have:

  • Vomiting that will not stop
  • Severe dizziness that is not improving
  • A new or unusual severe headache
  • New trouble walking
  • New confusion
  • New vision changes

Call 911 right away if you have emergency symptoms, such as:

  • Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side
  • Trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Fainting
  • Severe chest pain
  • Severe shortness of breath

Ask your clinician if there are other warning signs they want you to watch for.

Can CDP Be Used for Balance Training?

Yes. If the test shows balance problems, CDP may help guide balance and vestibular therapy. It can also be used to track progress over time.

 Key Points to Remember

  • CDP is a test that checks how your body stays balanced.
  •  It looks at how your eyes, inner ears, muscles, and joints work together.
  • It can help guide treatment for dizziness, imbalance, or fall risk.
  •  The test is safe, and you will wear a harness to help prevent falls.

Additional Resources