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

NCT ID: NCT05182398

Last Updated: 2025-03-10

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: WITHDRAWN
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2022-05-15
• Study Completion Date: 2022-08-15

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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.

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: OTHER
• Study Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

Multiple sclerosis patient

First day, first evaluator will perform all tests, and second day, second evaluator will perform Modified Four Square Step Test.

Assesment

Intervention Type: OTHER

Modified Four Square Step Test, Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index ,Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale

Interventions

Assesment

Modified Four Square Step Test, Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index ,Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Having an EDSS score of 4 and below,
• Being between the ages of 18-65
• Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

• Being pregnant or within the first 3 months after giving birth,
• Receiving corticosteroid therapy in the last 1 month,
• Using drugs that will affect walking in the last 1 month

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 65 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Zekiye İpek KATIRCI KIRMACI

Asst. Prof.

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Zekiye İpek Katırcı Kırmacı

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

Other Identifiers

ipekkatircikirmaci

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id