Validity and Reliability of Limits-Of-Stability Testing: A Comparison of 2 Postural Stability Evaluation Devices (Original Research) (Report‪)‬

Postural stability has been defined as the ability to control the body's center of gravity (COG) within a given base of support (1,2) and has been extensively researched. (3-12) To date, postural stability researchers (1,13) have defined the continuum of postural stability from static stability to functional stability. However, the understanding of postural stability control (ie, balance) that is essential for performing activities of daily living and achieving success in sports remains complicated by vague terminology and numerous outcome measures. Postural stability measures used to evaluate postinjury and postsurgical musculoskeletal somatosensation have gained support from the sports medicine community, (4-5,7,8) and the effects of prophylactic ankle bracing, foot orthotics, balance training, and skill training on postural control and athletic performance have all been investigated. (6,12,14,15) Yet despite the recent advances in postural stability measurement and the increased applicability of research findings to clinical practice, 3 key problems remain: nomenclature, criterion standards, and technology.