Reference values for the Balance Error Scoring System as measured by the Tekscan MobileMat™ in a physically active...

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine
• Neurology

Background:

• The Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is a standard tool for assessing postural stability.
• Human administration of BESS has shown inconsistent reliability due to rater subjectivity.
• The Tekscan MobileMat™ offers an automated solution to objectively quantify BESS errors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish reference values for the BESS using the automated MobileMat™.
• To investigate the influence of sex, concussion history, and competitive sport level on BESS performance.

Main Methods:

• 440 participants completed BESS assessments on the MobileMat™.
• Participants maintained each stance with eyes closed for 20 seconds.
• The MobileMat™ automatically recorded and quantified BESS errors.

Main Results:

• Concussion history and competitive sport level did not significantly affect BESS performance.
• Males demonstrated significantly better performance than females in the single-limb foam stance (p=0.032).
• No significant sex differences were observed for other BESS stances or the total score.

Conclusions:

• Automated BESS measurement via MobileMat™ offers objective postural stability assessment.
• Population norms are valuable for interpreting BESS performance, especially with new technologies.
• Sex, concussion history, and competitive sport level do not appear to be significant factors influencing BESS performance as measured by the MobileMat™.