Dynamic Balance Evaluation: Reliability and Validity of a Computerized Wobble Board

Abstract

Computerized Wobble Boards (WB) are inexpensive, transportable and user-friendly devices to objectively quantify the dynamic balance performances out of laboratory settings, although it has not been established if they are reliable and valid tools. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of a computerized WB. Thirty-nine (18 female, 21 male) young adults (age: 23.3±2.1years; body mass: 65.9±1.8kg; height: 168.2±8.8cm; leg length: 78.8±5.7cm; BMI: 23.2±2.1kg·m) participated in the study. Subjects were assessed during three separate sessions on different days with a 48h rest in between. A total number of two WB single limb tests and one Y Balance Test (YBT) were performed. The WB performance was registered using the proprietary software and represented by the time spent in the target zone, which represented the 0° tilt angle measured by the tri-axial accelerometer in the WB. YBT normalized reach distances were recorded for the anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral directions. Intraclass correlation coefficient, 95% confidence interval, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate intrasession and intersession reliability, while Pearson product moment correlation was used to determine concurrent validity. Reliability ranged from fair to excellent, showing acceptable levels of error and low minimal detectable change. However, all correlation coefficients between WB and YBT outcomes were poor. Despite the two methods addressing different aspects of balance performance, WB seems to validly serve its purpose and showed good reliability. Therefore, computerized WBs have the potential to become essential devices for dynamic balance assessment.

A novel approach to measuring wobble board performance in individuals with chronic ankle instability

“…Computerized WBs have been recently considered useful, precise, and reliable device for balance assessment showing intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranging from 0.65 to 0.89 in healthy subjects [ 14 ] and 0.58 and 0.84 in CAI individuals [ 2 ]. However, to fulfill the lack of accurate surrogate methods that might substitute computerized WB during balance evaluation in clinical practice, in this study a novel approach was favored.…”

“…Balance control is often assessed to evaluate changes after rehabilitation training intervention, deficits from previous ankle sprains and detect risk of reinjury in individuals with CAI [ 7 , 10 , 11 ]. Among the different methodologies, wobble boards (WBs), unstable platform generally used for proprioceptive training and rehabilitation protocols [ 6 , 12 , 13 ], have been recently computerized with accelerometers and connected to a computer to show reliable real-time data on balance in healthy and CAI individuals [ 2 , 14 , 15 ]. These systems proved to be easy to set up, collect and interpret data and offer the potential to monitor individuals’ dynamic balance during large-scale evaluation, also in field settings.…”

The “Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology” Journal Club Series: Utility and Advantages of the Eccentric Training through the Isoinertial System

“…Based on the transfer of the training adaptations principle, the concurrent presence of resistance exercises and instability might provide a more effective transfer of functional adaptations needed during the activities of daily living [58]. Although unstable surfaces and unbalanced conditions (i.e., Swiss balls, inflated discs, wobble boards, and suspension slings) have been mainly used for dynamic balance assessment and training in healthy, injured, and old subjects [59][60][61][62][63][64], they have been recently used also for strength gains purposes [58,65]. Despite extensive literature existing on the impact of instability resistance training on balance, stability, and strength [64,65], no experimental data are available on the functional training adaptations associated with isoinertial resistance training under unstable conditions in older populations.…”

Effects of Differential Jump Training on Balance Performance in Female Volleyball Players

“…A handy and validated alternative with fair to excellent reliability is found in computerized wobble boards (WBs) [20]. WBs are unstable platforms frequently used in clinical and therapeutic settings.…”

“…Moreover, classical assessment of the CoP when standing on a force platform can also be applied to standing on a WB [21]. Poor correlation between WB performance and the outcome of one of the most frequently used validated balance tests, the Y Balance Test [20], can be explained by the complexity of the underlying mechanisms of postural control [14] and different test-specific skills of postural control [20]. Since WBs are a common tool in sprain prevention programs [5] and are suitable for balance assessment in individuals with chronic ankle instability [16], their usage is reasonable for the context of the current study (i.e., injury prevention in high-risk individuals).…”