Reliability and Construct Validity of Limits of Stability Test in Adolescents Using a Portable Forceplate System.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity of the limits of stability (LOS) test to assess dynamic postural stability in adolescents using a portable forceplate system.


METHODS
Cross-sectional reliability observational study.


METHODS
School setting.


METHODS
Adolescents (N=36) completed all measures during the first session. To examine the reliability of the LOS test, a subset of 15 participants repeated the LOS test after 1 week.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Outcome measurements included the LOS test, Balance Error Scoring System, Instrumented Balance Error Scoring System, and Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction on Balance.


RESULTS
A significant relation was observed among LOS composite scores (r=.36-.87, P<.05). However, no relation was observed between LOS and static balance outcome measurements. The reliability of the LOS composite scores ranged from moderate to good (intraclass correlation coefficient model 2,1=.73-.96).


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the LOS composite scores provide unique information about dynamic postural stability, and the LOS test completed at 100% of the theoretical limit appeared to be a reliable test of dynamic postural stability in adolescents. Clinicians should use dynamic balance measurement as part of their balance assessment and should not use static balance testing (eg, Balance Error Scoring System) to make inferences about dynamic balance, especially when balance assessment is used to determine rehabilitation outcomes, or when making return to play decisions after injury.
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI. Electronic address: Alsalahe@umich.edu.
Bara
B
Alsalaheen
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI.
Jamie
J
Haines
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI.
Amy
A
Yorke
NeuroSport Research Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Steven P
SP
Broglio
D000293:Adolescent; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
Ankle; Rehabilitation; Sports