Clinical Instruments for Measuring Unsupported Sitting Balance in Subjects with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2018 · DOI: 10.1310/sci17-00027 · Published: February 12, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This systematic review identifies and classifies clinical assessment instruments used to measure unsupported sitting balance in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The review evaluates the measurement properties of these instruments, such as reliability, validity, and responsiveness, to determine their suitability for clinical practice. The study aims to provide guidance for clinicians and researchers in selecting appropriate tools for assessing unsupported sitting balance in subjects with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

414 subjects with SCI

Evidence Level

Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
Twelve instruments were identified for measuring unsupported sitting balance in subjects with SCI.
2
The Sitting Balance Measure (SBM), Trunk Control Test, and Set of Assessment Tools for Measuring Unsupported Sitting were identified as the most appropriate measures.
3
No identified instrument explored responsiveness and/or interpretability.

Research Summary

This systematic review aimed to identify clinical instruments with measurement properties used for measuring unsupported sitting balance in subjects with SCI. Of those found, the SBM, the Trunk Control Test, and the Set of Assessment Tools for Measuring Unsupported Sitting seem to be the best suited for the task. They are simple, easy, quick to administer in clinical settings, and applicable to every type of patient regardless of their neurological level and type of injury.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

The identified instruments can be used in clinical practice to plan and monitor physical therapy interventions aimed at improving sitting balance and functional independence in individuals with SCI.

Research

Future randomized clinical trials are warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of training unsupported sitting balance using the instruments identified in this review.

Instrument Development

There is a need for developing or modifying instruments that include all components of sitting balance control (static, proactive, and reactive) to better assess unsupported sitting balance in people with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The discussions and conclusions contained in this review are based on studies that are poor in terms of methodological quality.
2
The fact that the search was restricted to English-language studies must be considered a limitation of this review.
3
None of the studies included in this review assessed responsiveness and interpretability.

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