Steady or Swaying? Assessing the Reliability of the HUMAC Balance System in Athletes With Chronic Low Back Pain.

Background: Balance is a fundamental component of athletic performance. Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent issue in athletes, impacting performance. Balance assessment plays a crucial role in CLBP rehabilitation. Reliable techniques are essential for balance assessment. The CSMi HUMAC balance system offers promise in this regard. This study aimed to assess the reliability of the HUMAC balance system and to determine the minimal detectable change (MDC) for center of pressure (CoP) indices (sway index [SI], overall stability index [OSI], mediolateral stability index [MLSI], and anteroposterior stability index [APSI]) during squats and limits of stability (LoS) outcomes.

Hypothesis: The HUMAC balance system will demonstrate high test-retest reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) >0.80, when used to assess balance in athletes with CLBP.

Study Design: Repeated measures design.

Level Of Evidence: Level 4.

Methods: A total of 15 athletes (aged 18-30 years) with CLBP were included. The athletes underwent assessment of balance parameters on 2 separate occasions separated by a 1-week interval. Reliability was assessed using ICC, standard error of measurement (SEM), and Bland-Altman plots.

Results: Intrarater reliability for all CoP indices during squats and LoS tests showed excellent values (ICC, 0.84-0.98), with no significant systematic bias detected in Bland-Altman plots.

Conclusion: The HUMAC balance system is a reliable tool for assessing balance in athletes with CLBP.

Clinical Relevance: The HUMAC balance system demonstrates reliability in assessing balance for athletes with CLBP. This will allow clinicians to monitor changes in balance and potentially track the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving balance.