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  2. Using the Scan Kit
  3. Interpreting Force Plate Scan Results

What are Stability & Balance Asymmetry?

Asymmetry scores represent differences in balance capabilities between sides assessed during the Balance Scan.

Asymmetry Example

Stability and Balance represent more fundamental and advanced balance capabilities, respectively. Higher values for each limb or side reflect less motion during the tasks and better balance capabilities.

Asymmetry Scores

The Asymmetry scores quantify differences in balance capabilities from side to side based on the Left and Right Signature Scores. Higher values indicate greater asymmetry, with a designation of Right (R) or Left (L) labeling which side has the higher score. In the visual above, you can see the user has a higher score on the Left (69) than on the Right (63). Stability Asymmetry calculates the difference between these two as represented by a percentage of 12%.

Typical scores range from 0-20% on either side, meaning the majority of users score within a 20% range from 0.

Scores greater than 20% on either side can be considered atypical.

Typical scores range from 0-20% on either side, meaning the majority of users score within a 20% range (1 standard deviation) from 0. Small variations within this range on either side are common in people subjected to repeated testing and are typically not significant. Scores greater than 20% on either side can be considered atypical.

It is important to note that a variety of complex factors, including natural human variability, influence asymmetry scores, and results may not always match your intuition. To learn more about the complex factors and literature relating to assessing limb asymmetry, check out our article Assessing Limb Asymmetry.

 

Learn More: Utilizing and Interpreting the Balance Scan