Abstract
Background and ObjectivesThe Wii Balance Board (WBB) is a globally accessible device that shows promise as a clinically useful balance assessment tool. Although the WBB has been found to be comparable to a laboratory-grade force platform for obtaining centre of pressure data, it has not been comprehensively studied in clinical populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the measurement properties of tests utilising the WBB in people after stroke.MethodsThirty individuals who were more than three months post-stroke and able to stand unsupported were recruited from a single outpatient rehabilitation facility. Participants performed standardised assessments incorporating the WBB and customised software (static stance with eyes open and closed, static weight-bearing asymmetry, dynamic mediolateral weight shifting and dynamic sit-to-stand) in addition to commonly employed clinical tests (10 Metre Walk Test, Timed Up and Go, Step Test and Functional Reach) on two testing occasions one week apart. Test-retest reliability and construct validity of the WBB tests were investigated.ResultsAll WBB-based outcomes were found to be highly reliable between testing occasions (ICC = 0.82 to 0.98). Correlations were poor to moderate between WBB variables and clinical tests, with the strongest associations observed between task-related activities, such as WBB mediolateral weight shifting and the Step Test.ConclusionsThe WBB, used with customised software, is a reliable and potentially useful tool for the assessment of balance and weight-bearing asymmetry following stroke. Future research is recommended to further investigate validity and responsiveness.
Highlights
Impaired balance is common and a major factor influencing independence and quality of life after stroke [1]
The Wii Balance Board (WBB) has been found to be comparable to a laboratory-grade force platform for obtaining centre of pressure data, it has not been comprehensively studied in clinical populations
Correlations were poor to moderate between WBB variables and clinical tests, with the strongest associations observed between taskrelated activities, such as WBB mediolateral weight shifting and the Step Test
Summary
Impaired balance is common and a major factor influencing independence and quality of life after stroke [1]. Many clinical tests are relatively quick and easy to perform they can lack sensitivity, and provide little objective information about balance strategies and movement quality; factors which are important for treatment guidance and targeted reassessment [3, 4] Instrumented tools, such as force platforms, can be used to quantify postural sway and weight-bearing asymmetry during quiet standing [5,6,7] and dynamic activities following stroke [8,9,10,11]. Future research is recommended to further investigate validity and responsiveness
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