Article

The study provides estimates of reliability and minimal real difference (MRD)
(i.e. the minimal change significantly different from zero, expressed in the
original units) of 14 parameters obtained from six motor tasks of standing
balance on the EquiTest (dynamic) and the Balance Master (static) force
platforms. The different tasks and parameters allowed an assessment of balance in
three domains: quiet standing, perturbed standing and multidirectional leaning.
Fifteen healthy adults (eight men and seven women; age 22-42 years) were studied
at baseline and retested 1 and 3 weeks later. The significance level was set at
P-value less than 0.05 and adjusted for multiplicity within sets of tests
reflecting the same balance domain (Bonferroni corrections). Repeated analysis of
variance modelling revealed a moderate yet significant time trend across the
three time points, suggesting a practice effect for the mean of one out of the 14
parameters. Changes across pairs of time points did not reach significance
(Tukey's post-hoc test). Test-retest reliability across the three time points and
across pairs of time points was estimated for each parameter using the intraclass
correlation coefficients (ICCs) (model 3.1; range 0-1, none to perfect
reliability). Across the three time points, the ICCs ranged from 0.21 to 0.85
(>0.60 in nine out of the 14 cases). The MRDs were computed from the ICCs. For
all 14 parameters showing a time trend, absolute changes (root mean squares of
differences) were minimal. Thus, albeit overestimated for one parameter, the MRDs
provide useful thresholds for changes to be interpreted as dependent on
therapeutic interventions.

Langue : ANGLAIS