Lower Limb Asymmetry Evaluation Using the Balance Tracking System (BTrackS) Single Leg Stance Protocol

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Motor Control
• Human Movement Science

Background:

• Single Leg Stance (SLS) balance testing is crucial for assessing lower limb asymmetries.
• The Balance Tracking System (BTrackS) Balance Plate offers a portable, cost-effective solution for objective balance measurement.
• Establishing normative data is essential for interpreting SLS test results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide the first normative balance results for the BTrackS SLS protocol in young adults.
• To identify sex-based differences in SLS performance using the BTrackS system.
• To determine the threshold for significant asymmetry in SLS performance with BTrackS.

Main Methods:

• 161 young adults (90 women, 71 men) performed SLS tests on the BTrackS Balance Plate.
• Participants completed four 20-second trials (2 practice, 2 actual) on each leg.
• Key outputs included Center of Pressure path length and Absolute Symmetry Index.

Main Results:

• Women demonstrated superior SLS balance performance compared to men.
• Both sexes improved performance from practice to actual trials.
• An Absolute Symmetry Index difference of 16% or greater indicated asymmetric performance.

Conclusions:

• The study provides valuable normative data for BTrackS SLS testing.
• Findings support previous research indicating women's advantage in static balance.
• The utility of a practice trial in the BTrackS SLS protocol is validated.