Measurement of sitting stability in selected subjects with spinal cord injury

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to examine the possibility that functional reach test [FRT] could provide reliable measurement of sitting stability in subjects with spinal cord injury [SCI] who are unable to stand. Forty subjects with spinal cord injuries were divided into two groups based on injury level Group I consisted of 20 subjects with TI-4 paraplegia and group II consisted of 20 subjects with T10-12 paraplegia. Subjects were seated on similar mat table with backboard set at 80C for support. Each subject was asked to reach forward as maximum as possible without loosing balance. The results indicated that difference in reach distance occurred between groups I and II. Test-retest reliability was high with modification of the functional reach test [FRT] with a single rater. The modified FRT provides reliable measurements of sitting balance in non-standing persons with SCI