Validity and reliability of a tool for accelerometric assessment of static balance in women

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify factors of balance and items explaining each of them and then, using a model based on accelerometric variables, to develop an easy-to-apply tool for assessing static balance. Materials and methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in a random sample of 145 adult women (63.8 ± 8.4 years). Participants performed the following randomised tests of static equilibrium tests: monopodal balance with eyes closed; bipodal balance on mat with eyes open; bipodal balance with eyes closed; monopodal balance with eyes open and monopodal balance on mat with eyes closed. Each test was performed three times and an average calculated. Results: The resulting scale had three factors: monopodal balance on mat with eyes open, with four items; monopodal balance with eyes open, with four items; monopodal balance with eyes closed, with three items. Conclusions: This tool is easy to apply and analyse, and presents good criterion validity for explaining the state of static balance based on the accelerations of the centre of mass.

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