Wii Balance Board na avaliação do equilíbrio vertical estático: um estudo de acurácia

The aim of the present study is to determine the validity and reproducibility of the Wii Balance Board (WBB) as an instrument for assessing static balance in the vertical position, using simultaneous data analysis and superimposed equipment. An accuracy study assessed 29 healthy young individuals of both sexes, aged 18-30 years, 24h apart (test-retest), using 4 tests. To that end, the WBB was placed on top of a force platform (FP) and data were collected simultaneously on both devices. Validity and reproducibility were analyzed using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Finally, Bland-Altman analysis was applied to assess agreement. The sample was composed of 23 women, 6 men, age 24.2±6.3 years, weight 60.7±6.3kg and height 1.64±4.2m. The validity of the WBB was excellent for the 4 tasks proposed (ICC = 0.93 – 0.98).  Reproducibility was optimal for the bipodal support tasks (ICC = 0.93- 0.98) and only moderate for the unipodal support tests (ICC = 0.46 – 0.70). The graphs showed good agreement between the devices. This study proved the validity and reproducibility of the WBB as an instrument for assessing static balance in the vertical position, using simultaneous analysis with superimposed equipment. Thus, the WBB has been increasingly used by physical therapists and other health professionals in their clinical practice, as both a rehabilitation and assessment tool.