Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Normative Data for the BTrackS Balance Test Concussion-Management Tool: Results From 10 045 Athletes Aged 8 to 21
Daniel J Goble1, Mitchell J Rauh2, Harsimran S Baweja2
1School of Health Sciences, Department of Human Movement Science, Oakland University, Rochester, MI.
Context:
Balance tests are a recommended assessment of motor function in concussion protocols. The BTrackS Balance Test (BBT) is a tool for concussion balance testing that uses low-cost force-plate technology to objectively measure postural sway.
Objective:
To provide normative data for the BBT in a large population of athletes.
Design:
Cross-sectional study.
Setting:
Concussion baseline testing at multiple facilities.
Patients Or Other Participants:
Male and female athletes (n = 10 045) ages 8 to 21 years.
Intervention(S):
Athletes performed three 20-second trials of eyes-closed standing on the BTrackS Balance Plate with feet shoulder-width apart and hands on hips.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Postural sway was measured as the average total center-of-pressure path length over 3 testing trials.
Results:
Postural sway was reduced (ie, balance improved) as athlete age increased and was less in female athletes than in male athletes. Percentile ranking tables were calculated based on sex and 2-year age groupings.
Conclusions:
Our findings (1) provide context for BBT results performed in the absence of a baseline test, (2) can help mitigate athlete malingering, and (3) might identify individuals with latent neuromuscular injuries during baseline tests.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Overview of Microsoft Excel as a Data Analysis Tool
02:58Balancing Redox Equations
01:19Energy Balance
01:15Equilibrium and Balance
01:26Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
01:29Disorder of Water Balance
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body loses fluids (particularly water).
Causes:
The major causes of dehydration include excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and diuresis.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms primarily include intense...