Leg Dominance Effects During Single- and Dual-Task Modified Balance Error Scoring System Assessment in Collegiate and...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Neurology

Background:

• The modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS) assesses postural control.
• Nondominant leg inclusion in mBESS may create a ceiling effect.
• Research on single- and dual-task tandem gait effects on mBESS is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare mBESS performance between dominant and nondominant legs during single and dual tasks.
• Evaluate the 1-week test-retest reliability of the mBESS.

Main Methods:

• 119 athletes completed mBESS single- and dual-task conditions on both legs at two time points, one week apart.
• Data collected included mBESS errors and sway index.
• Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Spearman correlations.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in errors or sway index were found between dominant and nondominant legs for single-leg or tandem stances.
• Dual-tasking increased errors during single-leg stance but not sway index.
• Test-retest reliability was weak to moderate for errors and fair for sway index at 1 week.

Conclusions:

• Leg dominance does not influence mBESS outcomes, suggesting either leg can be used if uninjured.
• Dual-tasking offers minimal clinical utility for mBESS, questioning its specificity for postural control changes.
• Caution is advised when interpreting mBESS results after a 1-week interval due to decreased reliability.