Relationship between Clinical and Forceplate Measures of Postural Stability

Abstract

Although sophisticated forceplate systems are available for postural stability analyses, their use is limited in many sports medicine settings because of budgetary constraints. The purpose of this investigation was to compare a clinical method of evaluating postural stability with a force-platform sway measure. Participants completed a battery of three stance variations (double, single, and tandem) on two different surfaces (firm and foam) while standing on a force platform. This arrangement allowed for simultaneous comparisons between forceplate sway measures and clinical assessments using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). Significant correlations were revealed for the single-leg and tandem stances on the firm surface and for double, single, and tandem stances on the foam surface. These results suggest that the BESS is a reliable method of assessing postural stability in the absence of computerized balance systems.

The effect of 8 weeks of whole body vibration training on static balance and explosive strength of lower limbs in physical education students

“…Each of the 20 sec trials were scored by counting the errors, or the deviations from the proper stance. An error was credited to the participant when any of the following occurred: a) moving the hand off the iliac crests; b) opening the eyes; c) stepping, stumbling, or falling; d) abduction or flexion of the hip beyond 30°; e) lifting of the forefoot or heel off the testing surface; or f) remaining out of the test position for more than 5 sec (Riemann et al, 1999). Participants who were unable to follow the testing procedure for a minimum of 5 sec were assigned the highest score, ten, for that testing condition.…”

“…Error scores were calculated for each of the 6 conditions and summed up to obtain the total BESS score. A full description of BESS and information regarding the test can be found in Riemann et al (1999). Each participant was instructed to remain as still as possible; if they moved from the test position, participants had to return to it as soon as possible.…”

Relationships between Balance and Functional Performance in Football Players

“…The BESS is a valid and reliable measure method of postural stability (Riemann et al, 1999). The test is cheaper than force platforms, requires less practice for effective administration, and can be used for immediate sideline assessment (Riemann et al, 1999).…”

Effects of a full season on stabilometric Parameters of team handball elite athletes

“…We chose variables that are considered the standard measures of balance while standing (Jancová, 2008;Riemann, Guskiewicz, & Shields, 1999). Our hypotheses were that (1), after a full season, athletes would demonstrate deterioration of their postural control, and that (2) they would be more asymmetrical with respect to their performance in postural control tasks.…”