Intersession reliability of self-selected and narrow stance balance testing in older adults

Bryan L. Riemann, Kelsey Piersol

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Despite the common practice of using force platforms to assess balance of older adults, few investigations have examined the reliability of postural screening tests in this population. Aim: We sought to determine the test–retest reliability of self-selected and narrow stance balance testing with eyes open and eyes closed in healthy older adults. Methods: Thirty older adults (>65 years) completed 45 s trials of eyes open and eyes closed stability tests using self-selected and narrow stances on two separate days (1.9 ± .7 days). Average medial–lateral center of pressure velocity was computed. Results: The ICC results ranged from.74 to.86, and no significant systematic changes (P < .05) occurred between the testing sessions for any of the tests. The standard error of measurement ranged from 15.9 to 23.6%. Discussion: Reliability estimates were similar between the two stances and visual conditions assessed. Slightly higher coefficients were identified for the self-selected stances compared to the narrow stances under both visual conditions; however, there were negligible differences between the sessions. The within subject session-to-session variability provides a basis for further research to consider differences between fallers and non-fallers. Conclusion: Reliability for eyes open and closed balance testing using self-selected and narrow stances in older adults was established which should provide a foundation for the development of fall risk screening tests.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1045-1048
Number of pages4
JournalAging clinical and experimental research
Volume29
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2017

Keywords

  • Center of pressure
  • Fall risk
  • Postural stability
  • Posturography

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