Validation of seated postural control measures in non-ambulatory persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Poor seated postural control negatively impacts the performance of daily activities in non-ambulatory persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) and may be a potential target of rehabilitation. However, there is a lack of validated clinical measures of seated postural control in persons with MS, thus limiting evaluation of rehabilitation treatments. The purpose of this study is to determine 1) if non-ambulatory persons with MS have impaired seated postural control compared to healthy age and gender match controls and 2) whether the Function in Sitting Test (FIST) is a valid measure of a seated postural control in non-ambulatory PwMS. Thirty-four participants (17 with MS and 17 controls) participated in seated postural assessments. Sitting balance was evaluated using posturography and the FIST. The seated posturography assessment involved participants sitting on a force platform without support for 30s. The center of pressure was determined based on the output of the force platform and the amount of seated postural sway was calculated. The FIST is a 14-Item clinical functional assessment of sitting balance validated in adults with acute stroke. The MS group’s (157 〖mm〗^2) postural sway was significantly greater than the control group (35〖mm〗^2) (U= 48, p=0.001). There was a significant, negative correlation between FIST and postural sway (rho=-0.487, p=0.028). The observations provide evidence that PwMS have poor seated postural control when compared to age and gender matched controls; and FIST may be a valid tool to assess seated postural control in non-ambulatory PwMS.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Kinesiology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Ousley, Cherita M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Rice, Laura A.

• Postural control
• non-ambulatory

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2015 Cherita Ousley

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/78362

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/78362