Expanded normative data for the balance tracking system modified clinical test of sensory integration and balance protocol

Abstract

The modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (mCTSIB) is a popular protocol used to assess key sources of sensory feedback utilized during upright standing. The present study aimed to expand the age range of a previous normative sample of only young adult mCTSIB reference data collected using the Balance Tracking System (BTrackS). In total, 1,276 adults between ages 20 and 59 years old completed the BTrackS mCTSIB protocol in this study. The protocol consisted of four, 20-s trials that systematically manipulated the relative contributions of vision, proprioception and vestibular sensory systems. Total Center of Pressure Path Length results showed that females generally outperformed males in all age groups and sensory conditions. Both sexes showed reduced balance with age that started at age 50–59 years in Standard and Proprioception conditions. In the Vestibular condition, both sexes had reduced balance starting at age 30–39 years. In contrast, the pattern of reduction was different between females and males in the Vision condition. In this case, females showed a decline in balance at age 30–39 years compared to 40–49 years in males. These results provide important information demonstrating sensory feedback processing for balance can decline at differential rates based on age and sex characteristics. Percentile ranking look-up tables were also calculated as a practical tool for researchers and clinicians who regularly perform mCTSIB testing.