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Stability recovery performance in adults over a wide age range: A multicentre reliability analysis using different
1Sport and Exercise Science Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom.
Journal of Biomechanics
|July 3, 2021
Summary
The forward lean-and-release test reliably assesses stability recovery in adults across a wide age range. Both gradual and single lean protocols are effective for evaluating balance and fall prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Effective base of support increase is vital for preventing falls during stability disturbances.
- The forward lean-and-release test is a common method for assessing this ability.
- Reliability of this test across diverse age groups and protocols needs further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the reliability of two forward lean-and-release test protocols for assessing stability recovery.
- To evaluate if these protocols are reliable in healthy adults across a wide age range (21-80 years).
- To compare the reliability of a maximal lean angle protocol versus a single lean angle protocol.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre study involving 97 healthy adults (21-80 years) assigned to either maximal or single lean angle protocols.
- Two testing sessions were conducted with a 0.5-hour and a 48-hour interval to assess intra- and inter-session reliability.
- Stability recovery was measured using margin of stability at release (MoSRL), margin of stability at touchdown (MoSTD), and increase in base of support at touchdown (BoSTD).
Main Results:
- High intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) indicated excellent reliability for MoSRL (0.93-0.94) and good reliability for BoSTD (0.80-0.88) across both protocols.
- MoSTD showed good reliability for the maximal lean angle (0.85) but moderate reliability for the single lean angle (0.67).
- Equivalence was demonstrated for all parameters between measurements (p < 0.01), suggesting consistency regardless of protocol or session.
Conclusions:
- The forward lean-and-release test is a reliable method for assessing stability recovery performance in adults aged 21-80 years.
- The reliability of the test is independent of whether a maximal or single lean angle protocol is used.
- These findings support the use of the forward lean-and-release test for evaluating balance and fall prevention strategies across a broad adult population.
