Evaluation of the validity and reliability of the Meloq EasyBase force platform for assessing jump performance and balance parameters
摘要
Force platforms are widely used to assess postural stability and vertical jump performance, yet their cost and limited portability restrict routine clinical and field-based use. The Meloq EasyBase force platform offers a practical alternative, but its validity and reliability require investigation.
ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and to provide evidence of concurrent validity of the Meloq EasyBase force platform for the evaluation of balance-related parameters and jumping in healthy young adults.
MethodsSeventy-eight healthy young adults (mean age: 21.85 ± 1.68 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Static balance was assessed during single-leg stance on dominant and non-dominant limbs, with center of pressure (CoP) displacement, velocity, directional sway, and ellipse area recorded. CMJ height was also measured. Assessments were repeated after 7–10 days. Reliability was evaluated using intrarater intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change (MDC). Concurrent validity against a clinical balance test was examined using correlations with the Flamingo Balance Test (FBT).
ResultsBalance parameters demonstrated moderate to high reliability (ICC = 0.58–0.76), with velocity-based and directional CoP measures showing higher consistency. CMJ height showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.96; SEM = 1.53 cm; MDC95% = 4.24 cm). Significant low-to-moderate correlations were observed between FBT scores and most force platform balance parameters (r = 0.23–0.32, p < 0.05).
ConclusionThe Meloq EasyBase force platform demonstrates high reliability for vertical jump performance and moderate reliability for balance parameters. The observed low-to-moderate correlations with the Flamingo Balance Test provide preliminary evidence of concurrent validity.