The modified clinical test of sensory interaction in balance is a modified version of the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction (CTSIB) that was first developed by Shumway-Cook and Horak whit the purpose of evaluating how different sensory conditions affect balance(Shumway-Cook & Horak, 1986). This initial test, CTSIB, was composed by 6 test conditions:
1) standing on a firm surface with open eyes;
2) standing on a firm surface with closed eyes;
3) standing on a firm surface while an error input is given to the individual's visual system;
4) standing on a foam with open eyes;
5) standing on a foam with eyes closed;
6) standing on a foam while an error input is given to the individual's visual system.
After research shown that there was no significant difference between the results from the closed eyes condition versus condition with visual challenge, on both surface types, condition 3 and 6 were eliminated, and the mCTSIB protocol was established (Lotfi et al., 2018).
Like CTSIB, mCTSIB allows the understanding of sensory interaction on postural stability. Through the analysis of balance control in the 4 test conditions we gain insight into which sensory systems may be impaired or overworking.
The integration of instrumented testing counteracts the limitations of clinical assessment, such as the subjective analysis from the clinical and the lack of sensitivity for detecting subtle changes or deficiencies. Performing the mCTSIB using a posturography plate enables a rigorous measurement in body sway while sensory information for balance is altered between each condition, delivering an objective assessment of balance control with gold-standard laboratory measures (Freeman et al., 2018).
Check the table below to see how to interpret the results from each test condition.
References
Freeman, L., Gera, G., Horak, F. B., Blackinton, M. T., Besch, M., & King, L. (2018). Instrumented Test of Sensory Integration for Balance: A Validation Study. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 41(2), 77–84. https://doi.org/10.1519/JPT.0000000000000110
Lotfi, Y., Javanbakht, M., Sayaf, M., & Bakhshi, E. (2018). Modified clinical test of sensory interaction on balance test use for assessing effectiveness of Epley maneuver in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients rehabilitation. Aud Vest Res (2018);27(1):12-18.
Shumway-Cook, A., & Horak, F. B. (1986). Assessing the Influence of Sensory Interaction on Balance. 1545–1550.
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