Which trunk inclination directions best predict multidirectional-seated limits of stability among individuals with spinal cord injury?

Abstract

Objective

To determine which trunk inclination directions most accurately predict multidirectional-seated limits of stability among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design

Predictive study using cross-sectional data.

Setting

Pathokinesiology Laboratory.

Participants

Twenty-one individuals with complete or incomplete sensorimotor SCI affecting various vertebral levels participated in this study.

Interventions

Participants were instructed to lean their trunk as far as possible in eight directions, separated by 45° intervals, while seated on an instrumented chair with their feet positioned on force plates.

Outcomes measures

Eight direction-specific stability indices (DSIs) were used to define an overall stability index (OSI) (limits of stability).

Results

All DSIs significantly correlated with the OSI (r = 0.816–0.925). A protocol that only tests the anterior, left postero-lateral, and right lateral trunk inclinations accurately predicts multidirectional-seated postural stability (R² = 0.98; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Multidirectional-seated postural stability can be predicted almost perfectly by evaluating trunk inclinations performed toward the anterior, left postero-lateral, and right lateral directions.

Keywords:

• Movement
• Outcome assessment
• Postural balance
• Rehabilitation
• Spinal cord injuries, Paraplegia
• Tetraplegia

Acknowledgements

This article is based on the award-winning student abstract presented at the National Spinal Cord Injury Conference in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in October 2012. Special thanks to Murielle Grangeon, Philippe Gourdou, Youssef El Khamlichi, and Guillaume Desroches for data collection and analysis. Cindy Gauthier received a Summer Research Award from the Quebec Rehabilitation Research Network (REPAR). Dany Gagnon holds a Junior 1 Research Career Award from the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ). The Pathokinesiology Laboratory was financed in part by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). This project was financed in part by the REPAR and the Craig Neilson Foundation. Dany Gagnon, Cyril Duclos, Géraldine Jacquemin, and Milos Popovic are members of the Quebec-Ontario Spinal Cord Injury Mobility (SCI-MOB) Research Group financed by the REPAR and the Ontario NeuroTrauma Foundation.