Reliability And Validity of the Function In Sitting Test(FIST) for non ambulatory individuals with Subacute Spinal Cord Injury: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: The function in sitting test (FIST) was developed for stroke patients and modified for spinal cord injury patients. FIST SCI is a recently developed outcome measure that requires rigorous investigation to establish its psychometric properties. The aim of this report is to share the preliminary findings of a bigger study exploring the reliability and validity of FIST—SCI. Methodology: Data from 8 non ambulatory patients with subacute SCI are being reported here. Two independent raters administered the FIST SCI and Motor Assessment Scale to the patients at 1 week and 2 months. Transfer ability was assessed with ICF codes to explore the potential of FIST SCI to predict the ability to transfer. Results: Inter-rater reliability was found to be excellent( ICC =0.9 to 0.9) and intra-rater reliability (0.99 to 0.99) with a 95% Confidence Interval, FIST Has an excellent correlation with MAS (0.80 to 0.90). FIST-SCI scores differentiated between people who needed help transferring and those who could do it on their own by strong Negative correlation ( r -.80 to -.90) FIST and d 4200 Transferring oneself while sitting. FIST and d4201 Transfer in lying show a Strong negative correlation(r-.80to -.90). Conclusion: This pilot study concludes that the FIST is a consistent and accurate outcome measure for individuals with subacute spinal cord injury. Additionally, FIST-SCI can predict their transfer ability.