Background: Assessments of Sit-to-Stand (STS) and gait functions are essential procedures in evaluating level of independence for the patients after stroke. In a previous study, we developed the software to analyze center of pressure (COP) in standing position on Wii Balance Board (WBB).
Objects: This purpose of this study is to measure test-retest reliability of ground reaction forces, COP and time using WBB on STS and gait in healthy adults.
Methods: Fifteen healthy participants performed three trials of STS and gait on WBB. The time (s), vertical peak (%) and COP path-length (㎝) were measured on both tasks. Additionally, counter (%), different peak (%), symmetry ratio, COP x-range and COP y-range were analyzed on STS, 1st peak (%), 2nd peak (%) of weight were analyzed on gait. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error measurement (SEM) and smallest real difference (SRD) were analyzed for test-retest reliability.
Results: ICC of all variables except COP path-length appeared to .676∼.946 on STS, and to .723∼.901 on gait. SEM and SRD of all variables excepting COP path-length appeared .227∼8.886, .033∼24.575 on STS. SEM and SRD excepting COP path-length appeared about .019∼3.933, .054∼11.879 on gait.
Conclusion: WBB is not only cheaper than force plate, but also easier to use clinically. WBB is considered as an adequate equipment for measuring changes of weight bearing during balance, STS and gait test which are normally used for functional assessment in patients with neurological problems and elderly. The further study is needed concurrent validity on neurological patients, elderly patients using force plate and WBB.