Outcomes of the five times sit-to-stand test could determine lower limb functions of ambulatory people with spinal cord injury only when assessed without hands

Abstract

Context/Objectives: Various clinical application of the five times sit-to-stand test (FTSST), with or without hands, may confound the outcomes to determine the lower limb functions and mobility of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study assessed the concurrent validity of the FTSST in ambulatory individuals with SCI who completed the test with or without hands as verified using standard measures for lower extremity motor scores (LEMS) and functional mobility necessary for independence and safety of these individuals. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Tertiary rehabilitation centers and community hospitals. Participants: Fifty-six ambulatory individuals with motor incomplete SCI who were able to walk independently with or without a walking device over at least 10 m. Outcome Measures: Time to complete the FTSST with or without hands according to individuals’ abilities, LEMS, and functional mobility. Results: Time to complete the FTSST showed moderate-to-strong correlation with the LEMS scores and all functional mobility tests (ρ = –0.38 to –0.71, P < 0.05), but only in those who performed the test without hands. By contrast, data of those who completed the FTSST with hands were significantly correlated only with the ankle muscle strength and the functional mobility measures that allow upper limb contribution in the tests (ρ = –0.40 to 0.52, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Upper limb involvement could confound the outcomes of the FTSST. The present findings suggest the use of FTSST without hands to determine the lower limb functions of ambulatory individuals with SCI.