RELATIONSHIP OF FORCE PLATFORM WITH THE CLINICAL BALANCE EVALUATION SYSTEMS TEST IN OLDER ADULTS

ABSTRACT The aging process can alter the organization of postural control causing instability; literature shows several equipment and clinical tests whose purpose is to measure postural balance, involving different protocols and methodologies. Objective: To evaluate postural balance during the task to walk over the force platform (turn and return) and its relationship with clinic balance test (BESTest) in older adults. Methods: 60 older people of both sexes, aged 60 to 79 years, were tested in the force platform (NeuroCom Balance) and BESTest to evaluate postural balance. Results: negative correlations were found when comparing domains of the clinical test with stabilometric parameters in time and velocity variables of the tests Step/Quick turn. The highest correlations were in the total score (time spent to perform the task − 0.41, and in the velocity left side − 0.33/right side − 0.43), as well as in the stability limit (time spent to perform the task left side − 0.34/right side − 0.37, and the equilibrium velocity left side − 0.37/right side − 0.43). Conclusion: There are slim correlations between the clinical test and force platform variables, showing that each test measures different parameters. Level of evidence II, Diagnostic study - investigating a diagnostic test.