Validity and reliability of the NIH Toolbox® Standing Balance Test As compared to the Biodex Balance System SD.

Background/ Purpose: The NIH Toolbox® was developed to assess functions among motor, sensory, emotional, and cognitive domains. The motor domain of the NIH Toolbox® includes an assessment for standing balance. Studies have validated early versions of the balance assessment for ages 3 through 85; however, no studies have examined the reliability and validity in its current version (using iPod Touch) against established balance measurements such as the Biodex SD modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance (m-CTSIB).

Does skeletal muscle morphology or functional performance better explain variance in fast gait speed in older adults?

Background: Fast gait speed is being increasingly recognized as an important clinical tool in older adults. However, the underlying muscular and functional contributors to fast gait speed performance remain poorly understood.

Aim: We sought to determine predictors of fast gait speed in older adults.