Normative Data for the BTrackS Balance Test Concussion-Management Tool: Results From 10 045 Athletes Aged 8 to 21 Years

Abstract

Context Balance tests are a recommended assessment of motor function in concussion protocols. The BTrackS Balance Test (BBT) is a tool for concussion balance testing that uses low-cost force-plate technology to objectively measure postural sway. Objective To provide normative data for the BBT in a large population of athletes. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Concussion baseline testing at multiple facilities. Patients or Other Participants Male and female athletes (n = 10 045) ages 8 to 21 years. Intervention(s) Athletes performed three 20-second trials of eyes-closed standing on the BTrackS Balance Plate with feet shoulder-width apart and hands on hips. Main Outcome Measure(s) Postural sway was measured as the average total center-of-pressure path length over 3 testing trials. Results Postural sway was reduced (ie, balance improved) as athlete age increased and was less in female athletes than in male athletes. Percentile ranking tables were calculated based on sex and 2-year age groupings. Conclusions Our findings (1) provide context for BBT results performed in the absence of a baseline test, (2) can help mitigate athlete malingering, and (3) might identify individuals with latent neuromuscular injuries during baseline tests.