Validity and Reliability of the Modified Four Square Step Test in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Overview

Balance disorder is common in people with MS. As the disease worsens, it is associated with impaired balance, difficulty walking, decreased mobility, and an increased risk of falling. Given the prevalence and clinical significance of balance dysfunction in individuals with MS, the assessment of balance has become an important focus in MS clinical practice and research. The Four Square Step Test is a standard clinical measure used to assess dynamic standing balance. It is a timed test in which the individual is instructed to step rapidly forward, backward, and to the right and left over a low obstacle (a cane). The test assesses the ability to quickly change direction of movement and is a timed test involving the use of assistive devices. In the modified four-square stepping test, the floor is divided into four equal squares with tape instead of a cane. Performing the test with tape, instead of patients at risk of being stuck with a cane, will ensure its applicability to a wider patient population. The aim of the study is to examine the validity and reliability of the modified four-frame stepping test in MS patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination and destruction of motor and sensory axons. As the disease worsens, it is associated with impaired balance, difficulty walking, decreased mobility, and an increased risk of falling. The prevalence of balance dysfunction in individuals with MS and Given its clinical relevance, the assessment of balance has become an important focus in MS clinical practice and research.The Four Square Step Test is a standard clinical measure used to assess dynamic standing balance.The individual rapidly forwards over a low obstacle (a cane), is a timed test in which instructed to step backward and to the right and left.The four-frame stepping test was developed to document deficiencies in stance balance, predict falls, assess self-perceived limitations in walking, and compare changes in standing balance following exercise training. Compared to other standardized tests, scoring is not dependent on the subjectivity of the examiner, can be administered by a person with minimal training, and requires minimal time, space, and equipment. In the modified four-square stepping test, the floor is divided into four equal squares with tape instead of a cane. Performing the test with tape, instead of patients at risk of being stuck with a cane, will ensure its applicability to a wider patient population.