2011 Annual Conference

Boles, A., Hernandez, V., Kollehner, A.L., Miao, M., & Medley, A.

To establish reliability and validity of the Sitting Balance Scale (SBS) in community dwelling adults with functional limitations.

Forty three community dwelling volunteers, mean age 58.6 ± 18.1 years old, who are primarily non-ambulatory or have limitations in ambulation and are currently not receiving physical therapy services.

Volunteers were recruited through word of mouth, local support groups, or organizations serving individuals with neurological disorders. Participants performed the SBS, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Five Times Sit to Stand test (FTSTS), and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) in a single session. Two researchers were present during testing, one guarding the participant, one providing instruction and scoring the assessments. Individuals were systematically videotaped for the reliability portion of the study. Videotapes were viewed within 7-10 days to determine intrarater (n=7) and interrater reliability (n=11).

Outcome scores and demographic information from all participants were collected and analyzed using SPSS. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC).

Mean performance for SBS=37.4, BBS=33.4, FTSTS=11.2s, DGI=12.6. The SBS is highly correlated with the BBS (r = .83, p<0.0001) and moderately correlated with the FTSTS (r = .45, p<0.002) and DGI (r = .57, p< 0.0001). Good inter-rater reliability of the SBS was established, ICC=.98 (95% CI=.96-1.0). Excellent intra-rater reliability was also established, ICC=.98 (95% CI=.88-1.0). SBS performance was not related to the number of medications or number of falls in the past year.

Based on BBS and DGI mean performance, participants were at risk for falls from the standing position. Mean performance on the FTSTS suggests that participants also had lower extremity weakness. The SBS was developed to assess sitting balance in individuals who are primarily non-ambulatory. Our results suggest that the SBS is a reliable measure. While the tools used in this study assess different aspects of balance and strength, all generally address functional ability based on the correlation analyses. Therefore, the SBS appears to be a valid measure of functional ability in the seated position. Future studies should assess the responsiveness of the SBS to change over time.

The SBS is a clinically useful tool in that it is an objective measure of functional ability in the seated position. The tool is a reliable and valid assessment that clinicians may use to identify impairments.