mCTSIB Balance Test

The modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB) checks how well someone stands still when vision or feeling from the feet is taken away. It helps show whether balance relies mostly on vision, the feet or the inner ear. It takes about 5 minutes and needs a foam pad.

How to give the test

1. Have the person stand with feet together, arms folded across the chest (or hands on hips), shoes off or on consistently.
2. Test the four conditions in order. Time each for up to 30 seconds.
3. Stop the time if they move their feet, open their eyes in an eyes-closed condition, move their arms from position or need help.
4. If they don’t reach 30 seconds, you may allow up to two more tries; record the best time. Note sway (none, mild, moderate, severe) if your clinic uses it.
5. For conditions 3 and 4, have them stand on a medium-density foam pad.

This is a measurement, not a diagnosis. The mCTSIB shows which standing conditions are hard for someone. It can’t diagnose an inner-ear or nerve problem. Only a licensed health care provider who examines the person can do that.

Reading the result

Look at which conditions the person could not hold for 30 seconds:

• 1. Firm surface, eyes open: Baseline: uses vision, feeling from the feet and the inner ear together.
• 2. Firm surface, eyes closed: Takes away vision. Trouble here suggests heavy reliance on vision.
• 3. Foam surface, eyes open: Makes feeling from the feet less reliable. Trouble here suggests reliance on feeling from the feet.
• 4. Foam surface, eyes closed: Takes away vision and makes foot feeling unreliable, so balance depends mostly on the inner ear (vestibular system).

Use the same foam and set-up every time so results can be compared.