The reliability and validity of the 30-second chair stand test and modified four square step test in persons with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The 30-second Chair Stand Test (30s-CST) and Modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST) are used to determine the functional status of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). No other studies have demonstrated the reliability and validity of the 30s-CST and mFSST. PURPOSE: To identify the test-retest reliability, concurrent validity and the known-group validity of the 30s-CST and mFSST in persons with MS. METHODS: A total of 64 persons with MS were enrolled. 30s-CST, mFSST, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and Five Times Sit to Stand (FTST) tests were performed. 30s-CST and mFSST were conducted again one-hour later. RESULTS: The mean age of the persons with MS were 37.9±11.3 years. The test-retest reliability of the 30s-CST and mFSST were excellent (ICC30s-CST = 0.974, 95%CI: 0.95-0.98; ICCmFSST = 0.992, 95%CI: 0.98-0.99). The 30s-CST was strongly correlated with FTST and TUG (r1 = -0.871, p1 = 0.0001; r2 = -0.741,p2 = 0.0001). There was a strong relationship between mFSST with TUG and FTST (r1 = 0.781,p1 = 0.0001;r2 = 0.788,p2 = 0.0001). The SEM95 and MDC95 values of the 30s-CST and mFSST were 0.41/1.13 and 0.34/0.94, respectively. Besides, there were significant differences between the persons with or without fall history in 30s-CST (MD: 1.66, CI: 0.27 to 3.05, p = .019) and mFSST CST (MD:-2.70, CI: -4.73 to -0.67, p = .010) performances. CONCLUSION: The 30s-CST and mFSST are both valid and reliable in mildly-disabled individuals with MS.

Gait assessment in shaped pathways: The test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the figure of eight test and L test in multiple sclerosis patients without mobility aids.

PURPOSE: To our knowledge, no other studies have demonstrated the reliability and validity of the Figure of Eight Walking Test (F8WT) and L Test in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the study was to prove the test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of the F8WT and L Test in patients with MS. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 52 patients with MS. A clinical neurologist evaluated patients by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Participants completed the F8WT, L Test, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25FW) in the first assessment session. Then, the F8WT and L Test was retested one hour later. The same evaluator completed all of the assessments. RESULTS: The ICC of both tests were excellent (ICCF8WT: 0.972, ICCL Test: 0.986). F8WT and L test measurement did not show a systematic bias and were within the agreement limits. The Standard Error of Measurement (SEM95) and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC95) values of the F8WT was 0.58 and 1.60, respectively. Besides, L Test's SEM95 and MDC95 were 0.59 and 1.63. The correlation between F8WT with TUG, T25FW and EDSS was 0.849, 0.810 and 0.453. On the other hand, the L test's correlation coefficient with TUG, T25FW and EDSS 0.682, 0.706 and 0.535, respectively (p < 0.01). Individuals with "EDSS ≤ 1″ had statistically significantly better L-test and F8WT scores than those with "EDSS: 1 to 4.5″ (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: F8WT and L Test is a valid and reliable physical performance test in MS patients without mobility aids. Both tests demonstrate advanced gait assessment in L and 8 shaped pathways to provide more comprehensive evaluation than horizontal pathways.