Does patient-perceived handicap correspond to the modified clinical test for the sensory interaction on balance?

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether patient self-reported handicap correlates with scores obtained from the modified Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance as assessed by the Neurocom VSR Balance Master platform.

Study design: Prospective observational.

Setting: Balance clinic in tertiary referral center.

Patients: Patients referred with dizziness or imbalance as their primary complaint.

Outcome measures: The modified Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance scores as assessed by the Neurocom VSR Balance Master platform, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, and the Health Utilities Index Marks 2 and 3.

Results: One hundred fifty-nine patients were entered into the study. The mean age of participants was 54.5 years, with a female-to-male ratio of 2.1:1. The scores for the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Health Utilities Index are similar between sexes, and although the Dizziness Handicap Inventory score did not correlate with age, Health Utilities Index 2 and 3 scores did show a negative correlation with increasing age. There are weak, positive correlations between the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and the firm surface conditions of the modified Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance but no useful correlation with the foam conditions. Similar weak negative correlations were found between the Health Utilities Index 2 and 3 and the modified Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance scores.

Conclusion: Patient-perceived handicap of imbalance appears to correlate poorly with assessment of postural stability using the modified Clinical Test for the Sensory Interaction on Balance.