The method to evaluate the body balance disturbation tolerance skills – validation procedure of the “Rotational Test”

Abstract

Background Body balance disturbation tolerance skills (BBDTS) can be defined as the ability to maintain the vertical posture in the circumstances of the fall hazard. The aim of this study is appropriateness and reliability of ‘Rotational Test’ (RT) as BBDTS measurement tool. Material & Methods: RT consists of six tasks (consecutive jumps with body rotation of 360° alternately to the right and to the left). The overall result is the sum of the six tasks and includes 0 to 18 stipulated points. Criterion-oriented validity (concurrent validity and predictive validity); content validity; construct validity have been assumed to be the main criteria of appropriateness. Reliability of the RT is based on the ‘test-retest’ formula. Following all phases of the validation process we have examined 1398 people aged from 6 to 60 years. Results: RT individual results consisted of 0 to 18 points, however in homogeneous groups the average RT result varied from 0.33 to 11.06 points. RT satisfies methodological criteria of appropriateness and reliability of a tool which indirectly indicates the quality of the body mechanisms responsible for balance and postural control. Reliability of the RT has been determined as high (‘test-retest’ correlation varies from 0.828 to 0.848). Conclusions: RT is sensitive to the factors modifying BBDTS – especially adaptive changes related to a long-term training as well as the influence of the current state of the body and/or a sudden change in the conditions of motor action. Thus, RT can be widely used in rehabilitation, health-related training, motor control (sport, physical education, etc.), the selection process in the army, police, emergency services, etc.