A novel testing tool for balance in sports and rehabilitation

Abstract

the aim of our study was to test sensitivity and reliability of two commonly used balance tests (Rhomberg and Flamingo) and to make a comparison with our new method for balance testing (Clever Balance Board (CBB)). The study was carried out on 102 pupils (39 men, 41 women; 14.3±2.7 yrs; 148±23 cm; 44.1±10.1 kg; 21.5±7.8% body fat). Every subject performed all three balance tests, each of them three times with 3 to 6 minutes rest initervals between consecutive trials. All of the measured parameters related to a single test were analyzed for sensitivity (stdev, min/max) and repeatability (correlation based test-retest analysis). Results showed that Romberg and Flamingo tests have poor sensitivity since there were a large number of subjects achieving the best results possible. Therefore, frequencies showed right-asymmetrical type of distribution for these two tests. However, normal distribution and high sensitivity was observed for all the parameters of the CBB test. The latter has also dominated considering the repeatability, inter-class correlation coefficients being 48.9, 61.1, and 73.0-81.2 % for Rhomberg, Flamingo, and CBB respectively. It was concluded that metric characteristics of the CBB in comparison to the two clinical balance tests are dominating. Because of its portability and moderate price CBB could be easily applied to routine balance diagnostic procedures.