Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal (Jun 2017)

Reliability and validity of a force-instrumented treadmill for evaluating balance: A preliminary study of feasibility in healthy young adults

  • Zhou Yuntao, PT, MS,
  • Izumi Kondo, MD, PhD,
  • Masahiko Mukaino, MD, PhD,
  • Shigeo Tanabe, PT, PhD,
  • Toshio Teranishi, PT, PhD,
  • Takuma Ii, PT, MS,
  • Kensuke Oono, MS,
  • Soichiro Koyama, PT, PhD,
  • Yoshikiyo Kanada, PT, PhD,
  • Eiichi Saitoh, MD, PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hkpj.2016.12.001
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 36, no. C
pp. 49 – 56

Abstract

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Background: With the development of computer technology, computerized dynamic posturography provides objective assessments of balance and posture control under static and dynamic conditions. Although a force-instrumented treadmill-based balance assessment is feasible for balance evaluations, currently no data exists. Objective: This study was undertaken to assess the reliability and validity of balance evaluations using a force-instrumented treadmill. Methods: Ten healthy adults participated in evaluations using both the treadmill and the EquiTest. Four balance evaluations were conducted: Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance, Unilateral Stance, Weight Bearing Squat, and Motor Control Test. Results: All balance evaluations using the force-instrumented treadmill method shared good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.6). The Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance, Unilateral Stance, and Weight Bearing Squat evaluations had a correlation of r 0.5) with the EquiTest. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that all balance evaluations using the force-instrumented treadmill were reliable, and that the Motor Control Test evaluation was moderately correlated with the EquiTest. Therefore, the use of a force-instrumented treadmill in balance evaluations might provide a certain level of value to clinical practice.

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