Validity and Reliability of the Balance Tracking System™ During Static Stance

Links

URL: https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/1564/

Abstract and keywords

Introduction: The Balance Tracking System™ (BTrackS™) is a balance board designed to quickly analyze postural control through center of pressure (COP) analysis.

Purpose: Examine concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of the BTrackS™ during static stance.

Methods: A convenience sample of 51 healthy collegiate students between 18 - 25 years old (21.8 ± 3.1 years) completed four, 20 second (s) trials of feet together static stance during both eyes open and closed trials. Data was simultaneously collected on the BTrackS™ and a laboratory force plate to establish concurrent validity. A second testing session was administered 48 - 72 hours later to establish test-retest reliability. Independent variables were device (BTrackS™/force plate) and time (Time Point 1/Time Point 2). Dependent variables were anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) COP excursion. Eight Pearson’s Product Correlations were used to compare the relationship of dependent variables between the BTrackS™ and laboratory force plate. Four Intra-Class Correlations (ICC) were used to compare the relationship of dependent variables between Time Point 1 and Time Point 2 measured by the BTrackS™. Four 2 x 2 (device x time) repeated measures ANOVA’s were used to determine the magnitude of differences within independent variables.

Results: Pearson Product Correlations showed an excellent relationship (r = 0.867 – 0.968) between the BTrackS™ and laboratory force plate. However, the 2 x 2 repeated measures ANOVA’s showed a significant difference between devices during both eyes open and closed conditions for all dependent variables (p < 0.001). Intra-Class Correlations showed an excellent relationship (ICC = 0.859 – 0.984) between time points for the BTrackS™. The 2 x 2 repeated measures ANOVA’s showed no significant differences between time points for the BTrackS™ during eyes open and closed conditions for all dependent variables (p = 0.185 – 0.976).

Conclusion: Findings suggest that the BTrackS™ is strongly correlated with a laboratory force plate, but is significantly different. The BTrackS™ is strongly correlated and not significantly different within 48 - 72 hours. Additional research regarding an acceptable difference between the BTrackS™ and a laboratory force plate is warranted before it can be used clinically.

Keywords: Postural control; Balance tracking system; Validity; Reliability

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