The effect of the type of foam pad used in the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) on the accuracy in identifying older adults with fall history.

Fall history was collected retrospectively, so recall bias may have affected group classification. The paper reports 325 recruited, 184 analysed, and 64 excluded, so the participant flow is not fully clear. Participants had to stand independently for at least 2 minutes and walk independently for at least 6 meters, and many conditions were excluded, including neurological disease, vertigo, severe musculoskeletal problems, balance-affecting medications, BMI 30 or higher, and MMSE-Thai 2002 score below 24 of 30. The study identifies older adults with a fall history, not people who will fall in the future. The test used 120 seconds per condition, not the original 30 seconds, so cutoffs may not transfer to other mCTSIB protocols. Each condition was performed once after practice, which may not reflect a short clinic assessment. The foam pads were covered with fabric, and different cover materials may change difficulty.

The authors reported no conflicts of interest and no financial interest in the research materials or equipment.

Do not read this as evidence that either foam pad predicts future falls. The study grouped people by a 12-month fall history, and it also required Airex foam to be two stacked pads with a fabric cover to match the Neurocom thickness used in the test.