Objective: To determine the frequency of balance errors in healthy young females and to determine the association of balance error with age and Body Mass index.
Methodology: It was an analytical study conducted in different universities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and included 400 females recruited by purposive, non-probability sampling technique. Females ages between 18-30 years (mean 22±5.14269) were included and females with musculoskeletal injury or surgery of lower limb and with vestibular disorders were excluded from the study. Balance error classification system, Fullerton advanced balance scale, Romberg test, Reactive postural control, Forward reach test and single leg stance test were used for balance assessment. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20.
Results: We found 48% females were suffering from mild risk of fall. Females who were able to perform Romberg test were 98.8%. Females able to perform Fullerton advanced balance test in less than 25sec were 98.5%. Females able to perform Forward reach check were 93.5%. In reactive postural control, 1.5% females were unable to revive balance severally (potential faller) and in line with SLS with eyes closed females able to performs in >20sec were (79%). Association of Balance error classification system with age was .004.
Conclusion: It is concluded that young females have good balance and this population has only mild risk of fall. There is association between balance error scoring system with increased BMI and age. Balance errors were present in young females according to BESS, however no significant balance losses were found in this age group.
Key words: Balance errors, normative data, functional status.
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