Physical Therapy: Balance Test :The Spring Scale Test (SST)

The SST employs Repeated 1 lb. Incremental Predictable Perturbations in Standing (RIPPS) expressed as percent of total body weight (%TBW) to quantify effective stepping limits for the purposes of ID fall group membership in adults 65+ years of age. Study results suggest 10% TBW to be the most discriminat to fall status performance measure compared to 4 other measures examined. The SST method can serve as an induced stepping treatment paradigm in addition to screening for fall risk. This video depicts anterior loading to test rear stepping limits. Results of study to be published in Dec.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Bio:
• Louis
• DePasquale
• PT
• MA
• is
• NYC
• home
• care
• physical
• therapist
• with
• 30
• years
• experience.
• RIPPS:
• Repeated
• Incremental
• Predictable
• Perturbations
• in
• Standing
• (balance
• assessment
• method).

[depasqualept]

The SST is performed 32-36 inches from a compliant support surface such as a bed or sofa (double cushion). In thie video you will note a padded table behind the subject. Typically uncontrolled responses are rare since testing is uniformly incremental and predictable.

[drummasterxxx]

Is there a spotter behind the patient?