Normative Data for the Sensory Organization Test Protocol in a Regional Sample of Healthy Female and Male Adults

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide and analyze age- and sex-stratified normative data from a cohort of adults without balance impairment that completed the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) protocol using the Bertec® Balance Advantage CDP/IVR system. Secondary goals included determining whether there are age- and sex-related differences in postural control.
Method: The SOT was administered to participants with reportedly normal balance. Bodily sway was measured during six conditions (SOT 1–6) in which visual and somatosensory cues were altered/denied in various combinations. Subjects’ fall history, previous balance training experiences, and current dizziness/imbalance symptoms were collected using a questionnaire. Responses on the survey were analyzed along with the generated Equilibrium Scores (ES) and Sensory Scores.
Results: Older adults were found to have greater difficulty maintaining static balance in conditions where visual cues were denied/distorted and dynamic balance in more complex sensory environments. Male subjects were generally found to be more affected by age-related declines to the balance control system than female subjects. None of the anthropometric variables analyzed were found to be adequately predictive of balance performance.
Conclusions: Balance screenings should be considered for male adults at an earlier age than in female adults. Fall prevention and rehabilitation programs should involve evaluation of the subject’s sensory systems, physical environment, and consideration of both objective (e.g., SOT results) and self-reported measures (e.g., fall history). Comprehensive assessment and care of those at increased risk of falling will require interdisciplinary collaboration.