Background

Unconstrained limits of stability assessment reveals aspects of volitional postural sway control that are inaccessible by other means. Prior versions of this assessment include instructions to sway towards predefined targets, and may not capture the full capability of the individual.

Research question

This study sought to establish the test-retest reliability of a novel limits of stability protocol.

Methods

Volitional sway area was determined during unconstrained trials, where participants were instructed to explore their ability to sway towards the perimeter of their base of support. Visual feedback was provided via computer monitor. Forty healthy young adults (mean age = 20.2 ± 1.3, 15 males, 25 females) participated in this study. Trials were collected in three sessions, repeated at the same time of the same day, with one week between. Reliability was assessed using IntraClass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), considering the total area of sway as well as quadrant level area.

Results

Reliability was moderate between the first and second session (0.583), and much higher 0.921) between the second and third session. The quadrant level reliability was poor to excellent (0.183−0.791), with similar trends between the three sessions.

Significance

Ultimately, these results indicate that the novel limits of stability test is reliable. However, it is recommended that a practice trial be conducted prior to baseline establishment.

中文翻译：

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BTrackS稳定性极限测试是对自愿动态姿势控制的可靠评估。

背景

不受限制的稳定性评估限制显示了其他方法无法达到的主动姿势摆动控制方面。此评估的先前版本包括朝着预定目标摇摆的说明，并且可能无法捕获个人的全部能力。

研究问题

这项研究试图建立稳定性协议新极限的重测信度。

方法

在无限制的试验中确定了自愿摇摆的范围，指示参加者探索他们向支撑基础周围摇摆的能力。视觉反馈是通过计算机监视器提供的。40名健康的年轻人（平均年龄= 20.2±1.3，男性15位，女性25位）参加了这项研究。试验分为三部分进行，在同一天的同一时间重复，间隔一周。使用IntraClass相关系数（ICC）评估可靠性，同时考虑摇摆的总面积以及象限水平面积。

结果

第一和第二届会议之间的可靠性中等（0.583），第二届和第三届会议之间的可靠性高0.921）。象限级可靠性差至极好（0.183−0.791），三个时段之间的趋势相似。

意义

最终，这些结果表明稳定性测试的新极限是可靠的。但是，建议在建立基线之前进行一次实践试验。