Interobserver reliability in evaluating postural stability between clinicians and posturography.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the interobserver reliability in assessing postural stability and to compare with results obtained by computerized posturography.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Balance clinic, teaching hospital.


METHODS
81 patients attending with a primary complaint of imbalance.


METHODS
Inter-rater reliability between two clinicians and the modified Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB) as assessed by the Neurocom VSR Balance Master platform.


RESULTS
Inter-rater reliability scores were high (0.53-0.81) for all conditions of the mCTSIB except for the easiest, i.e. firm surface eyes open, where concordance levels were poor to fair.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall there was good agreement between observers and the computerized mCTSIB.
Loughran
S
S
Medical Research Council, Institute of Hearing Research, Scottish Section, Glasgow, UK. sean@ihr.gla.ac.uk
Tennant
N
N
Kishore
A
A
Swan
I R C
IR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D004856:Postural Balance; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*