Test-retest reliability of kinematics assessment of body center of mass sway by Kinect-Based Exergames device in older adults

Abstract

Background and Objective: The main cause of falling in older adults is decreasing of physical activity that affects physical abilities especially balance. Therefore, the selection of appropriated and effective assessment for assessing of balance ability in older adults could reduce risks and prevent of falling. The purpose of this study was to define the test-retest reliability of kinematics assessment of center of mass (COM) sway using Kinect-Based Exergames device in older adults. Methods: Twenty older adults who aged more than 60 years (mean age was 67.30 ± 5.58 years) were instructed to performed balance performance by Eye-opened one-leg standing balance test (Eye-opened OLSB) and Eye-closed one-leg standing balance test (Eye-closed OLSB). While, the COM sway in 3 directions were evaluated by Kinect and developed software. The testing was two trials with 1-week resting period. The Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC_3,1) was used to explore test-retest reliability and significant levels were set at p < 0.05. Results: The results showed that test-retest reliability of COM sway during Eye-opened OLSB and Eye-closed OLSB testing was good reliability (ICC_3,1 were between 0.75-0.87). Conclusion: The kinematics assessment of center of mass (COM) sway during OLSB testing which were evaluated by Kinect and developed software was reliable assessment and can be used to replace other expensive measuring devices.

Key words: Reliability, Balance ability, Center of Mass (COM) sway, Elderly, Kinect