Intersession reliability of self-selected and narrow stance balance testing in older adults.

BACKGROUND: Despite the common practice of using force platforms to assess balance of older adults, few investigations have examined the reliability of postural screening tests in this population.

AIM: We sought to determine the test-retest reliability of self-selected and narrow stance balance testing with eyes open and eyes closed in healthy older adults.

METHODS: Thirty older adults (>65 years) completed 45 s trials of eyes open and eyes closed stability tests using self-selected and narrow stances on two separate days (1.9 ± .7 days). Average medial-lateral center of pressure velocity was computed.

RESULTS: The ICC results ranged from .74 to .86, and no significant systematic changes (P < .05) occurred between the testing sessions for any of the tests. The standard error of measurement ranged from 15.9 to 23.6%.

DISCUSSION: Reliability estimates were similar between the two stances and visual conditions assessed. Slightly higher coefficients were identified for the self-selected stances compared to the narrow stances under both visual conditions; however, there were negligible differences between the sessions. The within subject session-to-session variability provides a basis for further research to consider differences between fallers and non-fallers.

CONCLUSION: Reliability for eyes open and closed balance testing using self-selected and narrow stances in older adults was established which should provide a foundation for the development of fall risk screening tests.