Biodex Balance System Cut-off Scores in Geriatric Individuals

Low back pain (LBP) is an important musculoskeletal problem that causes clinical, social and economic losses. LBP, which affects approximately 85% of the lifetime population, becomes chronic LBP in 23% of individuals lasting 3 months or more. Although there are various forms of LBP, the most common form is non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). There are no specific and definable pathologies in NSLBP such as a history of spinal surgery, presence of neurological deficit, facet joint problem, disc herniation and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Biodex Balance System (Biodex Medical Systems, Shirley, NY) (BBS) is a device used for objective evaluation of static and dynamic balance, allowing free movement in mediolateral and anteroposterior directions. The validity-reliability studies of the BBS were conducted in various populations including active, non-active, young adult and geriatric individuals, and individuals with ankle sprains. The validity-reliability study of individuals with NSLBP was reported by Sherafat et al. has a strong-excellent correlation with four-square step test, timed-up-and-go test, Berg Balance Scale, and single leg stance test. Studies have emphasized the use of BBS in geriatric individuals with NSLBP, but no data on the cut-off scores of this system have been found. The determination of a cut-off score with high sensitivity and specificity is thought to be beneficial for detecting deterioration in functional status in geriatric individuals with NSLBP. Therefore, the aim of our study is to determine BBS cut-off scores in geriatric individuals with NSLBP.