Test-retest reliability of the Chattecx Balance System in the patient with hemiplegia

The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the Chattecx Balance System in the patient with hemiplegia. Twenty patients (14 male, 6 female; 14 right hemiplegia, 6 left; mean age 69.5, range 32-86 years) undergoing physical therapy, were tested on the Chattecx Balance System at the same time on 3 consecutive days. Subjects were tested on a static platform, and also using linear translation (anterior-posterior movements), and rotational angular motion about a mediolateral axis. Day 1 was used to allow the patient to become familiar with the testing equipment and the protocol. Data collected from days 2 and 3 were compared statistically using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) formula 3,1. Comparison of the center of pressure in the mediolateral direction (COBX), the center of pressure in the anteroposterior direction (COBY), and dispersion index were analyzed for each of the three protocols. ICCs ranged from 0.58 to 0.92 for the static platform, 0.46 to 0.83 for the linear translations, and 0.62 to 0.89 for the angular rotations. Results using this testing protocol showed COBX to be highly reliable for the static and moderately reliable for linear and angular testing protocols. COBY was not reliable for any test condition. Dispersion was moderately reliable only for the static and angular testing protocols. From a clinical standpoint, measures that were found to be highly or moderately reliable may be useful for demonstrating the progress of patients with hemiplegia in their rehabilitation programs.