Correlation between Sway Balance and the Modified Balance Error Scoring System

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Exercise Physiology Online

Abstract

McKinney G, Alexander J, Bordenave E. Correlation between Sway Balance and the Modified Balance Error Scoring System. JEPonline 2022;25(5):27-38. Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older Americans. Approximately 3 million older adults will visit the emergency department annually for fall-related injuries. Health care professionals depend on reliable assessment tools to rule out balance dysfunction caused by several associated and comorbid conditions. Methods: This quantitative descriptive study evaluated and compared postural balance results using the mBESS and Sway Balance. A convenience sample of 36 participants from A.T. Still University Still Standing Falls Prevention Outreach Program engaged in a series of five stances used to assess balance. Results: The demographic ratio of females to males was 80% and 20%, respectively, ages 55 and older (M = 79.5, SD = 8 years). The average score for Sway Balance was M= 59.66, and for the mBESS, M=15.26. The Spearman correlation coefficient was negative (rs = -.131), an indication of the tendency for mBESS scores to decrease as Total Sway increased. The P-value was not statistically significant (P = 0.454); the two assessments were not correlated. Conclusions: Our study examined and compared comprehensive balance measures using validated instruments, providing a unique opportunity to deliver alternative options for objective assessments of postural instability. While study results found no correlation between Sway Balance and the mBESS scores; research does support Sway Balance as a viable solution for objective assessments for primary care providers to diagnose and treat balance problems. Further research is recommended to determine the maximum achievable enhancement of accelerometer technology like Sway Balance in the clinical setting.

First Page

27

Last Page

38

Publication Date

1-1-2022

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS