A study of the clinical test of sensory interaction and balance

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The ability to maintain an upright position during quiet standing is a useful motor skill. The Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance is an inexpensive, easily administered test that provides information about the ability to stand upright under several sensory conditions. SUBJECTS: Three groups of neurologically asymptomatic (AS) adults, divided by age into younger, middle-aged, and older groups, participated in the study. A fourth group comprised subjects diagnosed with vestibular disorders. METHODS: Timed performances under six different conditions were compared across groups. RESULTS: Subjects with vestibular disorders were significantly impaired on performance when compared with age-matched AS subjects. Older AS and vestibularly impaired subjects had greater variation in their scores than did younger AS subjects. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: This test is a useful screening tool for examining static standing balance.