Abstract
Objective
To examine the reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity of the limits of
stability (LOS) test to assess dynamic postural stability in adolescents using a portable
forceplate system.
Design
Cross-sectional reliability observational study.
Setting
School setting.
Participants
Adolescents (N=36) completed all measures during the first session. To examine the
reliability of the LOS test, a subset of 15 participants repeated the LOS test after
1 week.
Interventions
Not applicable.
Main Outcome Measures
Outcome measurements included the LOS test, Balance Error Scoring System, Instrumented
Balance Error Scoring System, and Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction on
Balance.
Results
A significant relation was observed among LOS composite scores (r=.36–.87, P<.05). However, no relation was observed between LOS and static balance outcome measurements.
The reliability of the LOS composite scores ranged from moderate to good (intraclass
correlation coefficient model 2,1=.73–.96).
Conclusions
The results suggest that the LOS composite scores provide unique information about
dynamic postural stability, and the LOS test completed at 100% of the theoretical
limit appeared to be a reliable test of dynamic postural stability in adolescents.
Clinicians should use dynamic balance measurement as part of their balance assessment
and should not use static balance testing (eg, Balance Error Scoring System) to make
inferences about dynamic balance, especially when balance assessment is used to determine
rehabilitation outcomes, or when making return to play decisions after injury.
Keywords
List of abbreviations:
BESS (Balance Error Scoring System), COG (center of gravity), DCL (directional control), ICC (intraclass correlation coefficient), ICC2,1 (intraclass correlation coefficient model 2,1), LOS (limits of stability), mCTSIB (Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction on Balance), MDC (minimal detectable change), RT (reaction time)To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 29, 2015
Footnotes
Supported by the Dr. Ben F. Bryer Foundation Medical Research Fund and the University of Michigan-Flint's Research and Creative Activity Award.
Disclosure: none.
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
