Correlation between Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (Thai version) and Timed Up and Go Test in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury

Abstract

Background: Functional assessment in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) is necessary for treatment and follow up planning. Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) was developed for assessment in patients with SCI and translated into Thai language (Th-SCIM III). However, there has no evidence regarding to the correlation between Th-SCIM III and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) in patients with SCI. Objectives: To determine the correlation between Th-SCIM III and TUGT in subjects with SCI. In addition, correlation between Th-SCIM III and TUGT of subjects with SCI with association impairment scale (AIS) classification class C and AIS class D was also focused. Materials and methods: Forty-seven subjects with SCI were recruited (20 subjects with AIS class C and 27 subjects with AIS class D). Subjects were assessed for their capabilities by Th-SCIM III and TUGT. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between these variables. Results: Results revealed that Th-SCIM III had excellent correlation with TUGT (Spearman’s rho = -0.764). Moreover, each domain of Th-SCIM III had moderate to excellent correlation with TUGT (Spearman’s rho -0.410 to -0.856). Subjects with AIS class D showed moderate to excellent correlation between Th-SCIM III and TUGT except respiratory and sphincter management domains. However, in subjects with AIS class C, moderate to excellent correlation between Th-SCIM III and TUGT was observed only in total score and mobility domain. Conclusions: Th-SCIM III was correlated with TUGT. However, Th-SCIM III had some limitations to assess incomplete SCI patients with high severity. Thus, other assessments to validate actual performance in these patients may be required.