Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Cindy Flom-Meland

Abstract

This study was designed to assess postural stability in standing on a Biodex Balance System to gather consistent, accurate data on individuals between the ages of 18-30 years old. This tested the participants' sensory integration (vestibular, visual, somatosensory) and balance which can be examined and treated within physical therapy. This study excluded NCAA athletes as more research has been obtained that includes NCAA athletes. Most of the human population has not been NCAA athletes, so we gathered more data for this greater population of individuals. The data provided gained an understanding of what normative data will look like to other professionals relating to balance. Each participant was tested twice and with one week between each test session. There was no control or treatment group in this study as the goal of the study was to create normative data. Participants stepped onto the force plate, and researchers began the test asking the participant to remain quiet during the duration of the test. Each condition of the m-CTSIB test was tested for 30 seconds. There were four different testing positions (eyes open on a firm surface, eyes closed on a firm surface, eyes open while standing on a foam pad, eyes closed while standing on a foam pad) that ended up giving us our sway index. The results showed that as the surface became unstable or when the participants closed their eyes, the sway index increased. This led to a decrease in balance. The tests show that participants with a firm surface with their eyes open had the least sway index, increasing their balance. Females had a slightly higher sway index but not a large enough to be considered significant. This information gave physical therapists a range for what balance may look like for this age group as a comparison to their patients’ values.

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