Modified Star Excursion Balance test: Prototype development, correction, and reliability of measurements

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics and Human Movement Analysis
• Sensor Technology and Measurement Systems
• Rehabilitation and Sports Science

Background:

• Accurate quantification of human movement is crucial for biomechanical analysis.
• The Modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT) is a standard for assessing dynamic postural control.
• Manual mSEBT application can lead to measurement inaccuracies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an Arduino and laser-sensor based prototype for mSEBT.
• To implement linear regression models for error correction.
• To validate prototype reliability across diverse testing configurations.

Main Methods:

• An observational, cross-sectional case study design was employed.
• Data collected from a healthy participant using the mSEBT prototype.
• Linear regressions and Intraclass Correlation coefficients (ICC) used for error correction and reliability validation.

Main Results:

• The prototype exhibited systematic errors at specific distances and heights.
• Post-correction, linear regressions demonstrated excellent reliability (r > 0.90).
• The system proved reliable across various test directions, distances, and heights.

Conclusions:

• Correction equations derived from linear regressions enable automated mSEBT measurements.
• The prototype enhances accuracy and efficiency in clinical dynamic postural control assessment.
• This technology benefits healthcare professionals and researchers monitoring postural control.