Normative Data for the NeuroCom Sensory Organization Test in United States Military Academy Boxers.
Nathan E Henry, Amy N Weart, Erin M Miller and 2 others
PMID 35391868WHAT IT FOUND
Military cadets aged 17-23 scored lower on computerized balance tests than adults aged 20-59, suggesting balance systems are still maturing.
Baseline scores did not differ between males and females or those with prior concussions, providing new reference values for this specific age group.
Key findings
01The study established normative balance scores for 253 military cadets aged 17-23, a demographic not previously covered by standard reference data.
02Composite balance scores for this young adult group were lower than those for the standard 20-59 year old reference population.
03There were no significant differences in balance scores between males and females, or between those with and without a history of concussion.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study did not test inter-rater reliability for how clinicians judged falls or movement artifacts. Testing occurred at various times of the day, which may have influenced performance as some balance tests show diurnal variation. Participants were military cadets required to take boxing classes, so results may not generalize to all young adults. Motion artifacts, such as adjusting glasses or shifting weight, may have affected individual scores.
Declared interests
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that lower balance scores in young adults aged 17-23 indicate pathology or prior injury. These scores are naturally lower than those of older adults due to ongoing vestibular and visual system maturation.