Reliability and validity of the sequential weight-shifting test: A new functional approach to the assessment of the sitting balance of older adults

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Abstract

[Purpose] The evaluation of sitting balance is important for the prevention of falls in older adults, especially those who have a disability involving the lower extremities. However, no studies have been designed to assess a patient’s dynamic sitting balance using a sequential protocol. The objective of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the sequential weight-shifting (SWS) test. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-three older adults who were physically dependent with regard to ambulation were recruited by convenience sampling. In study 1, 10 participants performed the SWS test and repeated the procedure 1 week later. In study 2, 23 participants were assessed using the SWS test, forward and lateral reach tests in a sitting position, tests of shoulder flexor and hand grip strength, an eye-hand coordination test, mobility tests, and pulmonary function tests. The test-retest reliability of the SWS test and its correlations with the different physical dimensions were examined. [Results] The intraclass correlation coefficient (3,1) of the SWS test was 0.67. The results of the SWS test correlated significantly with forward reach in the sitting position, arm muscle strength, eye-hand coordination, mobility, and pulmonary function (all p<0.05). [Conclusion] The SWS test demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties and can be considered a useful functional approach for the measurement of sitting balance.

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APA

Lee, K. Y. T., Hui-Chan, C. W. Y., & Tsang, W. W. N. (2016). Reliability and validity of the sequential weight-shifting test: A new functional approach to the assessment of the sitting balance of older adults. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 28(12), 3444–3450. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.28.3444

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