Exploring the relationship between different diagnostic tests to determine how postural performance is related to sensorimotor function. A cross sectional correlation study.
Item
- Title
- Exploring the relationship between different diagnostic tests to determine how postural performance is related to sensorimotor function. A cross sectional correlation study.
- Author(s)
- Robertson, J
- Abstract
- Background: Balance is dependent on the integration of inputs from a triad of sensorimotor systems: visual, somatosensory and vestibular. The distinction between the neural mechanisms involved in these control systems is hard to discern. The ability for a clinician to objectively measure standing balance and assess sensorimotor function could provide numerous benefits in a wide range of patient populations. Objective: 1) to what extent do sensorimotor diagnostic tests correlate with balance response tests? 2) what is the association between diagnostic test results and clinical characteristics? Design: An observational cross-sectional correlational study.?Method: A Wii Balance Board was utilised for balance measures, and laser pens utilised for joint position and smooth neck pursuit measurements in varying positions to measure sensorimotor function. Biopsychosocial pain data was captured via a musculoskeletal health questionnaire along with baseline data and clinical history. Correlation analysis was performed across all data to ascertain relationships between tests and clinical characteristics. Data was analysed using Shapiro-Wilk, Spearman’s rank, Pearson’s tests and multiple regression. Results: Results from 36 healthy student participants showed only one weak correlation between the four sensorimotor tests: smooth neck pursuit and cervical joint position (r=0.392,p=0.018). Minor positive correlations were shown between sensorimotor tests and balance tests: smooth pursuit neutral (r=0.342,p=0.041), smooth pursuit trunk torsion test (r=0.452,p=0.006; r=0.388,p=0.019; r=0.343, p=0.041), and cervical joint position (r=-0.377,p=0.023; r=-0.378,p=0.023). No correlation was found with the trunk joint position test and either balance test. Multiple correlations were found between balance and clinical characteristics, showing clear distinctions between eyes open and eyes closed tests. Discussion: Linear trend analyses revealed a small number of weak to moderate correlations between the tests which suggests it is difficult to detect small differences in sensorimotor function due to sensory reweighting. The relationships shown across the results however suggest that different sensorimotor tests measure different afferent sensory pathways aligning to distinct measures of balance, verified by clinical and biopsychosocial health variables. Conclusion: Understanding sensorimotor disturbance is vital for the clinical management of musculoskeletal disorders. Minor but significant dysfunction was found in a healthy population highlighting the need for further research with larger samples in this population. Further studies that differentiate the capabilities of sensorimotor tests and agree measures suitable for the clinical setting is also recommended.
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2020
- Date Submitted
- 28.10.2020 18:08:19
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 16688
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Keywords
- Assessment, balance, postural performance, sensorimotor function.
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Robertson, J, “Exploring the relationship between different diagnostic tests to determine how postural performance is related to sensorimotor function. A cross sectional correlation study.”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 2, 2025, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/167