Developmental normative data for the Balance Tracking System modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Human Physiology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• The Balance Tracking System (BTrackS) modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (mCTSIB) is increasingly used to assess balance control.
• Existing normative data for BTrackS mCTSIB primarily focuses on adult populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normative reference values for the BTrackS mCTSIB in developmental age groups.
• To analyze age- and sex-related differences in sensory contributions to balance control.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the BTrackS Balance Plate to conduct static standing trials across four age groups: children, adolescents, teenagers, and young adults.
• Manipulated visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular sensory inputs during testing.
• Analyzed center of pressure path length using BTrackS Assess Balance software.

Main Results:

• Females generally demonstrated superior balance performance compared to males across all age groups and sensory conditions.
• Balance performance improved with age from childhood to adolescence.
• Further age-related improvements in balance were observed in the Standard and Proprioceptive conditions for adolescents and young adults.

Conclusions:

• Sensory feedback processing for maintaining upright stance develops at different rates throughout childhood and adolescence.
• The study provides valuable percentile ranking tables for practitioners using the BTrackS mCTSIB.
• Findings highlight the importance of age- and sex-specific normative data for balance assessment.