@article{ref1,
title="Modified Balance Error Scoring System (M-BESS) test scores in athletes wearing protective equipment and cleats",
journal="BMJ open sport and exercise medicine",
year="2016",
author="Azad, Aftab Mohammad and Al Juma, Saad and Bhatti, Junaid Ahmad and Delaney, J. Scott",
volume="2",
number="1",
pages="e000117-e000117",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Balance testing is an important part of the initial concussion assessment. There is no research on the differences in Modified Balance Error Scoring System (M-BESS) scores when tested in real world as compared to control conditions. <br><br>OBJECTIVE: To assess the difference in M-BESS scores in athletes wearing their protective equipment and cleats on different surfaces as compared to control conditions. <br><br>METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined university North American football and soccer athletes. Three observers independently rated athletes performing the M-BESS test in three different conditions: (1) wearing shorts and T-shirt in bare feet on firm surface (control); (2) wearing athletic equipment with cleats on FieldTurf; and (3) wearing athletic equipment with cleats on firm surface. Mean M-BESS scores were compared between conditions. <br><br>RESULTS: 60 participants were recruited: 39 from football (all males) and 21 from soccer (11 males and 10 females). Average age was 21.1 years (SD=1.8). Mean M-BESS scores were significantly lower (p<0.001) for cleats on FieldTurf (mean=26.3; SD=2.0) and for cleats on firm surface (mean=26.6; SD=2.1) as compared to the control condition (mean=28.4; SD=1.5). Females had lower scores than males for cleats on FieldTurf condition (24.9 (SD=1.9) vs 27.3 (SD=1.6), p=0.005). Players who had taping or bracing on their ankles/feet had lower scores when tested with cleats on firm surface condition (24.6 (SD=1.7) vs 26.9 (SD=2.0), p=0.002). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Total M-BESS scores for athletes wearing protective equipment and cleats standing on FieldTurf or a firm surface are around two points lower than M-BESS scores performed on the same athletes under control conditions.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2055-7647",
doi="10.1136/bmjsem-2016-000117",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2016-000117"
}