Article

Standing balance is an important motor task. Postural instability associated with
age typically arises from deterioration of peripheral sensory systems.
The modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration for Balance and the Tandem test
have been used to screen for balance. Timed tests present some limitations,
whereas quantification of the motions of the center of pressure (CoP) with
portable and inexpensive equipment may help to improve the sensitivity of these
tests and give the possibility of widespread use. This study determines the
validity and reliability of the Wii Balance Board (Wii BB) to quantify CoP
motions during the mentioned tests. Thirty-seven older adults completed three
repetitions of five balance conditions: eyes open, eyes closed, eyes open on a
compliant surface, eyes closed on a compliant surface, and tandem stance, all
performed on a force plate and a Wii BB simultaneously. Twenty participants
repeated the trials for reliability purposes. CoP displacement was the main
outcome measure. Regression analysis indicated that the Wii BB has excellent
concurrent validity, and Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between devices
with small mean differences and no relationship between the difference and the
mean. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) indicated modest-to-excellent
test-retest reliability (ICC=0.64-0.85). Standard error of measurement and
minimal detectable change were similar for both devices, except the 'eyes closed'
condition, with greater standard error of measurement for the Wii BB. In
conclusion, the Wii BB is shown to be a valid and reliable method to quantify CoP
displacement in older adults.

Langue : ANGLAIS