Expanded normative data for the balance tracking system modified clinical test of sensory integration and balance protocol

Abstract

The modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (mCTSIB) is a popular protocol used to assess key sources of sensory feedback utilized during upright standing. The present study aimed to expand the age range of a previous normative sample of only young adult mCTSIB reference data collected using the Balance Tracking System (BTrackS). In total, 1,276 adults between ages 20 and 59 years old completed the BTrackS mCTSIB protocol in this study. The protocol consisted of four, 20‐s trials that systematically manipulated the relative contributions of vision, proprioception and vestibular sensory systems. Total Center of Pressure Path Length results showed that females generally outperformed males in all age groups and sensory conditions. Both sexes showed reduced balance with age that started at age 50–59 years in Standard and Proprioception conditions. In the Vestibular condition, both sexes had reduced balance starting at age 30–39 years. In contrast, the pattern of reduction was different between females and males in the Vision condition. In this case, females showed a decline in balance at age 30–39 years compared to 40–49 years in males. These results provide important information demonstrating sensory feedback processing for balance can decline at differential rates based on age and sex characteristics. Percentile ranking look‐up tables were also calculated as a practical tool for researchers and clinicians who regularly perform mCTSIB testing.

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“…She had a path length (cm) in standard (eyes open/firm) of 43, proprioception (eyes closed/firm) 110, vision (eyes open/foam) 81, and vestibular (eyes closed/foam) 133. In comparison to normative data for 50- to 59-year-old women (Figure 1 ) [ 11 ], the participant’s path length was between the 1st and 10th percentile in the vestibular condition, and below the 1st percentile in standard and vision conditions. Moreover, the results indicate the proprioception contribution toward balance control was severely compromised, with the participant’s path length in this condition more than double the largest values of the normal range.…”

“…To better understand the balance measures of the case participant, we compared the results to normative data of a healthy sample of similarly aged women [11].…”

“…Large values of path length indicate more movements, suggesting less control of the maintenance of balance. The mCTSIB protocol measures standard, proprioception, vision, and vestibular contributions toward balance [ 11 ]. The protocol consists of four 20-second trials with breaks between each trial (< 10s), standing as still as possible with their hands on their hips and feet shoulder-width apart.…”

“…In the fourth and final trial, the participant stood on a foam pad with their eyes closed measuring the ‘vestibular’ condition. To better understand the balance measures of the case participant, we compared the results to normative data of a healthy sample of similarly aged women [ 11 ].…”

“… Case participant data (asterisk) against normative data (box plot) adapted from Goble et al [ 11 ]. The distal ends of the whiskers represent the 1st and 99th percentile values from the normative data reported.…”