“INTER AND INTRA-RATER DIFFERENCES IN THE EXTENT OF LEAN RELEASE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON FORWARD-STEPPING CHARACTERISTICS.”

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Forward Stepping is the immediate response when faced with an external destabilizing perturbations leading to fall and loss of independence. Unique bio mechanical features and stepping characteristics are seen in forward stepping. This study aim to understand the inter and intra-rater differences in terms of spatio-temporal parameters of stepping reaction to the forward stepping characteristics evoked by a release from lean methods of reactive postural control assessment in healthy young adults so that the results obtained would be useful for making a proper balance evaluation.

METHODOLOGY: Thirty healthy young adults aged between 18 and 26 years, without any history of musculoskeletal injuries recruited for this observational study. Reactive forward stepping evaluation was performed using the Balance Evaluation System Test. Video recording of the test procedures were done, and the spatio-temporal parameters of the forward-stepping reactions such as Lean angle, FST, FSD, BRD and Number of steps were measured using “TRACKER” software.

RESULTS:Intra-rater   ICC shows reproducibility of lean angle modulation. There were differences in FST, FSD, BRD. However, it did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION:There is a consistency in the first step time and length, which were only within acceptable limits in Intra-rater performance when compared to Inter-rater performance. By enhancing physiotherapists' skills, this BESTest tool can be implemented in clinical practice for balance evaluation and determining treatment protocol for balance impairments.