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Individual Baseline Balance Assessments in a Large Sample of Incoming NCAA Division I Athletes Using a Force Plate
Scott A Weismiller1, Robert Monaco2, Jason Womack3
1Penn State Health, Milton S. Hersey Medical Center.
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
|February 19, 2021
Summary
Normative balance data using force-plate technology shows significant variability by sex and sport in collegiate athletes. This highlights the need to consider these factors when developing balance averages for concussion assessment.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Individualized baseline balance testing is time-consuming.
- Normative data offers a potential alternative for assessing post-concussion changes.
- Limited large-scale studies exist for force-plate balance data.
Purpose of the Study:
- Validate manufacturer-provided normative balance data.
- Examine variability within a large sample of collegiate athletes.
- Investigate factors influencing balance measures.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 533 collegiate athletes.
- Assessed balance using the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) with a force-plate system.
- Analyzed balance variability by sex and sport.
Main Results:
- Male athletes exhibited greater sway than females in specific stances.
- Athletes in high-contact sports showed more sway than those in low-contact sports.
- Sex and sport differences persisted even after accounting for concussion history.
Conclusions:
- Substantial individual variability in balance exists.
- Sex and sport are significant factors influencing balance.
- Future normative data should incorporate sex and sport stratification.
