Article

Reactive postural control, the ability to recover from an external perturbation
to stability, ultimately determines whether an individual will fall following a
loss of balance and should be routinely incorporated in balance assessment. The
purpose of this study was to identify (1) methods used to assess reactive
postural control in clinical practice and (2) factors associated with regular
assessment of reactive postural control. A cross-sectional survey was conducted.
Three hundred and fifty-seven physiotherapists in Ontario, Canada who treated
adults with balance impairments answered questions about the components of
balance they assess and how they assess reactive control in their practice. Of
the 273 respondents who assessed reactive postural control at least some of the
time, 15.4% used a standardized measure, 79.1% used a non-standardized approach,
and 5.5% used both. Forty-five methods of assessing reactive control were
reported. The most common methods used were non-standardized perturbations
(43.5%; 104/239 respondents) and movement observation (18.8%; 45/239). The
remaining 43 methods were each used by less than 8% of respondents. Practice area
had the strongest association with regular assessment of reactive postural
control (>60% of the time), and respondents working with neurological disorders
were more likely to regularly evaluate reactive control than those working with
people with orthopedic conditions. Despite the availability of valid standardized
measures to evaluate reactive postural control, respondents relied primarily on
non-standardized approaches and observational assessment. Future work should
examine the factors influencing choice of reactive control assessment tools and
awareness of standardized measures for reactive postural control.
CI - Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS