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Impact of upper extremity usage during balance assessments with SWAY™ app
Collar, Olivia Grimes, Cameron Guerrero, Olivia Le, Brenda Williams, Tanner
Collar, Olivia
Grimes, Cameron
Guerrero, Olivia
Le, Brenda
Williams, Tanner
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Collar_2025.pdf
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2025-04-11
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Collar, O., Grimes, C., Guerrero, O., Le, B., & Williams, T. 2025. Impact of upper extremity usage during balance assessments with SWAY™ app. -- In Proceedings: 21st Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects. Wichita, KS: Wichita State University
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of neurological disease requires balance and functional assessment. The SWAY™ app provides appropriate assessments for adults with neurological diagnoses that can be performed in a variety of settings. In progressive neurological disorders such as ALS, individuals may lose use of one or both upper extremities. There was a gap in research regarding the impact of upper extremity use during balance assessment and functional task performance when lower body strength and mobility are intact.
PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the impact of balance assessment and functional task performance measured with the SWAY™ app with and without the use of upper extremities.
METHODS: The study utilized the SWAY™ app and a chest strap harness to securely mount the phone to the participant's body and Medipore tape. A convenience sample recruited 43 participants. Participants completed a series of balance tests (mBESS, mCTSIB, CDC 4-Stage Balance) and a functional test (CDC 30 Second Chair Stand) with the SWAY™ app, while arms were constrained and with full arm use.
RESULTS: Intellectus software provided a two-tailed paired-t test which revealed balance and functional test means were not significant. The median balance and functional test scores were significant. Linear regression was significant for CDC 4-Stage mean being predicted by sex, height, sit to stand, and mCTSIB. One extra sit to stand will predict an increase in the value of the CDC score by 0.4 units. Females performed significantly better on the 4-stage than males.
CONCLUSION: This study found that upper extremity use has an impact on balance and functional task performance. Individuals who have limited use of their hands are at risk for balance and functional task impairments across the adult lifespan. The chest strap is valid for SWAY™ app use in individuals with limited or no hand function. The findings will assist physical therapists with developing an appropriate plan of care for patients that lose upper extremity function due to neurological diagnoses.
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Presented to the 21st Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 11, 2025.
Research completed in the Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions.
Research completed in the Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions.
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Wichita State University
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GRASP
v. 21
v. 21