Universtiy students' performance on three tests of equilibrium

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to determine preliminary norms of female and male students on three clinical tests of equilibrium, Tilt Board Tip [TBT], Tilt Board Reach [TBR] and Flat Board Reach [FBR], and to determine sex differences in equilibrium performance. 105 students, 55 boys and 50 girls, aged between 18-35 years [21.88 +/- 3.30] participated in this study. The three tests were done on each subject, while measuring four different angles the angle between tilt board and horizontal line in TBT test [TBT angle], the angle between tilt board and horizontal line in TBR test [tilt board TBR angle], the angle between pelvic and horizontal line in TBR test [pelvic TBR angle], the angle between tilt board and horizontal line in FBR test [FBR angle]. The data was analyzed using stepwise discrimination analysis and multiple ANOVA. The results showed significant differences between female and male subjects on TBR, FBR, and Pelvic TBR angles, with boys obtaining significantly higher scores. No significant differences on the other hand, were observed on Tilt Board [TBR] angle. The findings are in agreement with earlier findings with regards to the differences between female and male subjects' performance on a number of equilibrium measures, which means that sex specific normative data should be used in evaluating equilibrium reactions. The reasons for male subjects obtaining higher scores on TBT, FBR and Pelvic TBR angles are discussed