Validity of the MarBES device in assessing balance performance in elderly people living in a nursing home

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the validity of the Marmara Balance and Education System (MarBES), a force platform-based device, in assessing balance performance among elderly individuals residing in a nursing home. Methods: Static balance assessments were conducted using the MarBES device under both eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions in bipedal and single-leg standing positions. Balance performance scores were calculated based on Center of Pressure (COP) data from the MarBES. Clinical balance assessments included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and the Single-Leg Stance Test (SLST). Results: Thirty-one older adults (11 females, 20 males) with a mean age of 77.00 ± 8.26 years participated in the study. The findings revealed statistically significant and strong positive correlations between single-leg MarBES balance performance scores and BBS (r = 0.608 to 0.812, p < 0.001), as well as SLST (r = 0.725 to 0.868, p < 0.001). Moderate to strong negative correlations were observed between MarBES balance performance scores and the TUG test (r=-0.483 to -0.689, p < 0.05). Additionally, under eyes-closed bipedal conditions, MarBES balance performance scores demonstrated weak to moderate correlations with BBS (r = 0.450 to 0.624, p < 0.05) and TUG test (r=-0.327 to -0.470, p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that COP-based balance performance parameters obtained with the MarBES device demonstrated significant relationships with clinical balance tests, indicating that it is an alternative system to clinical tests that can be used in the evaluation of balance disorders in elderly individuals.