Determination of five times-sit-to-stand test performance in patients with multiple sclerosis: validity and reliability

Abstract

Purpose/Aim

Although Five Times-Sit-To-Stand test (FTSST) performance is known to be a valid and reliable method in people with chronic stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and balance disorder, it has not been widely studied in patients with Multiple sclerosis (MS). The main aim of this study was to evaluate validity and reliability of the FTSST in patients with MS.

Methods

The first outcome measure of the study was the FTSST, which was conducted by two different researchers. Secondary outcome measures were Biodex Stability System (BSS), 10-meter walk test, time up go test (TUG), EDSS scoring, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Barthel Index, Quadriceps Muscle strength test, Functional Reach test. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for the validity and reliability of the FTSST, which was made by two different researchers, and Pearson Correlation Analysis was used to determine its relationship with other measurements.

Results

Interrater and test-retest reliability for the FTSST were excellent (Intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.98 and 0.99, respectively). A statistically significant correlation was found between all secondary outcome measures and FTSST (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

FTSST is considered to be a valid, reliable, easy, and rapid method for evaluating lower extremity muscle strength and balance in patients with MS.

Keywords:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Five Times-Sit-to-Stand Test
• reliability

Acknowledgements

We thank the participants for their consent and cooperation.

Disclosure statement

All authors declare that they have no disclosures or conflicts of interest.