Individual Baseline Balance Assessments in a Large Sample of Incoming NCAA Division I Athletes Using a Force Plate System.

college concussion normative data postural control sex differences

Journal

International journal of sports physical therapy
ISSN: 2159-2896
Titre abrégé: Int J Sports Phys Ther
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 101553140

Informations de publication

Date de publication:
01 Feb 2021
Historique:
entrez: 19 2 2021
pubmed: 20 2 2021
medline: 20 2 2021
Statut: epublish

Résumé

Individualized baseline testing is resource and time intensive. The use of normative data to approximate changes after a suspected concussion is thus an appealing alternative. Yet, few peer-reviewed, large-sample studies are available from which to develop accurate normative averages of balance using force-plate technology. This study sought to validate a normative dataset from the force-plate manufacturer and examine the magnitude and nature of sample variability. Cross-sectional. Baseline balance and self-reported sex, sport, and concussion history were assessed in 533 prospective collegiate athletes (45% female) during pre-participation physical examinations. Balance was measured using four stances from the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance and quantified as Sway Index Scores with the Biodex Biosway Portable Balance System. Group averages are contrasted to data from the force-plate manufacturer. Individual variability around these averages was visualized and analyzed by sex and sport. Male student athletes showed significantly more sway in the eyes open, soft stance condition than female athletes. These differences were maintained when concussion history was included as a covariate. Athletes, particularly male athletes, in the high versus low contact sport group showed significantly more sway in the eyes open, soft surface and the eyes closed, hard and soft surface stances. There was substantial individual variability that was partially explained by sex differences and sport differences. The development of normative averages for sway may benefit from consideration of sex and sport. Further studies should characterize other factors that influence baseline balance in collegiate athletes. 2b.

Sections du résumé

BACKGROUND BACKGROUND
Individualized baseline testing is resource and time intensive. The use of normative data to approximate changes after a suspected concussion is thus an appealing alternative. Yet, few peer-reviewed, large-sample studies are available from which to develop accurate normative averages of balance using force-plate technology.
PURPOSE OBJECTIVE
This study sought to validate a normative dataset from the force-plate manufacturer and examine the magnitude and nature of sample variability.
STUDY DESIGN METHODS
Cross-sectional.
METHODS METHODS
Baseline balance and self-reported sex, sport, and concussion history were assessed in 533 prospective collegiate athletes (45% female) during pre-participation physical examinations. Balance was measured using four stances from the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance and quantified as Sway Index Scores with the Biodex Biosway Portable Balance System. Group averages are contrasted to data from the force-plate manufacturer. Individual variability around these averages was visualized and analyzed by sex and sport.
RESULTS RESULTS
Male student athletes showed significantly more sway in the eyes open, soft stance condition than female athletes. These differences were maintained when concussion history was included as a covariate. Athletes, particularly male athletes, in the high versus low contact sport group showed significantly more sway in the eyes open, soft surface and the eyes closed, hard and soft surface stances.
CONCLUSION CONCLUSIONS
There was substantial individual variability that was partially explained by sex differences and sport differences. The development of normative averages for sway may benefit from consideration of sex and sport. Further studies should characterize other factors that influence baseline balance in collegiate athletes.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE METHODS
2b.

Identifiants

pubmed: 33604142
pii: 18713
pmc: PMC7872460

Types de publication

Journal Article

Langues

eng

Pagination

126-133

Subventions

Organisme : NIAAA NIH HHS
ID : K02 AA025123
Pays : United States

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

All authors report no conflict of interest.

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Auteurs

Scott A Weismiller (SA)

Penn State Health, Milton S. Hersey Medical Center.

Robert Monaco (R)

Atlantic Sports Health.

Jason Womack (J)

Dept. of Family Medicine & Community Health, Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Dept. of Athletics, Rutgers University - New Brunswick.

Brandon Alderman (B)

Rutgers University - New Brunswick.

Carrie Esopenko (C)

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

Fiona N Conway (FN)

The University of Texas at Austin.

Kyle Brostrand (K)

Dept. of Athletics, Rutgers University - New Brunswick; Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health - Rutgers Sports Medicine.

Allison Brown (A)

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

Nicola L de Souza (NL)

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

Jennifer F Buckman (JF)

Rutgers University - New Brunswick.

Classifications MeSH