The influence of footwear on timed balance scores of the modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if timed balance scores on the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB) were affected by shoe wear in patients with balance and vestibular disorders and to determine if there is a difference in correlation with the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) or in the sensitivity or specificity based on footwear.


METHODS
Prospective correlational trial.


METHODS
Outpatient clinic.


METHODS
Thirty persons (mean age, 63+/-17 y) currently undergoing vestibular physical therapy (PT).


METHODS
All subjects completed the modified CTSIB with their shoes on and off at the end of a PT session; 16 of them (53%) also completed the SOT on the same day.


METHODS
Scores on the modified CTSIB and SOT.


RESULTS
No difference existed between scores on the modified CTSIB with shoes on versus off. Similar correlation was found between the modified CTSIB performed with the shoes on and off and SOT scores. The sensitivity and specificity of the modified CTSIB was similar with shoes on and off.


CONCLUSIONS
The modified CTSIB can be performed with or without shoes, with no difference expected in patient score or test sensitivity or specificity.
Whitney
Susan L
SL
Department of Physical Therapy, Univesity of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. whitney@pitt.edu
Wrisley
Diane M
DM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012775:Shoes; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation