Res/320 Experimentation Critique

1.0 Introduction

This article presents the theoretical background; inter rater reliability, and preliminary concurrent soundness for this new instrument, the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest). The goal of this study was to develop a clinical equilibrium assessment tool that aims to get 6 different balance control systems so that specific rehabilitation approaches can be intended for different balance deficits. The independent variable is the healthy subjects and the sampling subjects are those with different balance deficits.

2.0 Complications with Current Assessment Tools

Presently balance assessment tools do not aid therapist identify underlying postural control systems responsible for pitiable functional balance. They help classify if there is a fall risk or what the balance deficits are such as impaired proprioception, visual function, or reaction time delays, but not what is causing them. Another problem is that treatment seems to be generalized balance training for a generalized balance problem. By identifying the cause of the balance deficits of each individual patient, the therapist will then be able to direct specific individualized types of intervention for different types of problems.

3.0 The 6 Systems

The BESTest consist of 36 items, grouped into 6 systems:

* Biomechanical restraints for standing balance include the value of the base of the foot support, postural alignment, ankle and hip strength, and the ability to get up off the floor to a standing position.

* Stability limits/verticality includes how far the body can change over its base of support before changing the support of losing balance, lateral limits such as leaning as far as possible in a sitting position with eyes closed, ability to realign the trunk and head back to perceived vertical, and in standing to reach as far as possible to the front and out to the side,

* Anticipatory postural adjustments includes forestalling the need to adjust the bodies...