RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Unconstrained limits of stability assessment reveals aspects of volitional postural sway control that are inaccessible by other means. Prior versions of this assessment include instructions to sway towards predefined targets, and may not capture the full capability of the individual. RESEARCH QUESTION: This study sought to establish the test-retest reliability of a novel limits of stability protocol. METHODS: Volitional sway area was determined during unconstrained trials, where participants were instructed to explore their ability to sway towards the perimeter of their base of support. Visual feedback was provided via computer monitor. Forty healthy young adults (mean age = 20.2 ± 1.3, 15 males, 25 females) participated in this study. Trials were collected in three sessions, repeated at the same time of the same day, with one week between. Reliability was assessed using IntraClass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), considering the total area of sway as well as quadrant level area. RESULTS: Reliability was moderate between the first and second session (0.583), and much higher 0.921) between the second and third session. The quadrant level reliability was poor to excellent (0.183-0.791), with similar trends between the three sessions. SIGNIFICANCE: Ultimately, these results indicate that the novel limits of stability test is reliable. However, it is recommended that a practice trial be conducted prior to baseline establishment.
