Obtaining reliable performance measures on the sensory organization test: altered testing sequences in young adults

The present study assessed test reliability of the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) with varied testing sequences in healthy young adults. Second, the various contributors to test variability were assessed to better identify the controllable sources of variance.

Test reliability using generalizability theory.

Twenty-three recreationally active college-aged subjects (12 men and 11 women).

University research laboratory.

Measures of postural stability were assessed for the 6 conditions of the SOT across trials, tests, and days.

Postural stability as measured by equilibrium score (a measure indicating amount of sway as a percentage score, with lower scores indicative of higher amounts of sway).

The study showed that moderate to good reliability measures were obtainable after 2 performances of the SOT on 2 separate days. Although reasonable levels of reliability were achieved for both random and serial testing protocols, the random test sequence produced more reliable results when the environment was moving in response to the individual's sway.

As a way of increasing the real-world applicability of the SOT, we assessed the reliability of performing the test in both random and serial orders. Although reasonable levels of reliability were obtained, a clinician interested in monitoring/tracking performance to make decisions on return to play/function may want to follow the manufacturer's suggested test sequencing. For assessments of an individual's ability to respond to novel or unexpected environmental changes, a random order may be more advisable.