Assessing Balance in an Athletic Population: Normative Data for the Concussion Balance Test (COBALT)

摘要

Dizziness and balance problems are commonly reported symptoms following sport-related concussion. The Concussion Balance Test (COBALT), is an eight-condition test that assesses postural control with active vestibular stimulation using force plate technology. The purpose of this study was to establish normative data on COBALT for athletes ages 10-18. Data for postural sway velocity and error rates were acquired in 514 athletes presenting for preparticipation baseline screening. Six test conditions showed little variation in sway and error rate; however, two challenging conditions showed significant variation in sway among youth athletes.