Validity and reliability of the Modified Four Square Step Test in individuals with ankle sprain.

BACKGROUND: Postural instability and gait abnormalities are frequently observed after an ankle sprain. A modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST) was developed to assess dynamic balance during gait. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the mFSST in individuals with ankle sprains. METHODS: The study included 39 individuals with grade 1 and 2 ankle sprains with a mean age of 30.36 ± 6.21 years. The dynamic balance of the participants was assessed with the mFSST and Timed Up & Go test (TUG). To determine the test-retest reliability of the mFSST, the test was repeated approximately 1 h apart. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability of the mFSST was excellent (ICC = 0.85). Furthermore, when the concurrent validity of the mFSST was examined, a high correlation was found between with the TUG (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The mFSST is a valid and reliable clinical assessment method for evaluating dynamic balance during walking in individuals with ankle sprains. We think that the mFSST is preferable in clinical evaluations because its platform is easy to prepare and requires very little equipment.

The Reliability and Validity of the Modified Four Square Step Test in Individuals with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background: The modified four square step test (mFSST) is frequently used in the evaluation of dynamic balance in individuals with balance problems. However, the reliability of the mFSST has not been examined in individuals undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the test-retest reliability of the mFSST in individuals undergoing ACLR surgery. Methods: Forty-eight patients who had ACLR surgery were included in this study. Patients performed a total of four mFSSTs, two times each, by two different raters over seven days. Results: In the current study, the mFSST demonstrated excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficient for mFSST was 0.92. The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change for mFSST were 0.15 and 0.41, respectively. Conclusion: The mFSST has excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability in patients with ACLR. It is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating dynamic balance in patients with ACLR. We think that mFSST, which is a clinical evaluation test, can be preferred because it is easy to score and does not require special equipment.

Five-times sit-to-stand test following anterior cruciate ligament surgery: a cross-sectional reliability study.

Aims: Patients who have had anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) should periodically have their muscle strength assessed. The five-times sit-to-stand test (FTSST) can evaluate the muscle strength and balance of the lower extremities. This study's primary purpose was to assess the validity and reliability of the FTSST in patients who have undergone ACL-R. Material and Methods: Forty-three people who had undergone ACL-R surgery were included in the study. The study's primary outcome measure, the FTSST, was assessed by two different investigators. Secondary outcome measures were body balance, quadriceps muscle strength, Tegner activity score (TAS), and Lysholm score. Results: The FTSST's test-retest and inter-rater reliability were both high (ICC: 0.99). The FTSST also showed a strong statistically significant correlation with all secondary outcome measures, including balance, quadriceps muscle strength, TAS, and Lysholm score (p<0.05). Conclusions: According to the study results, the FTSST is a tool-free, simple method for assessing muscle strength and the body balance level, mobility level, and functional status of the knee in patients who have undergone ACL-R surgery.