Intra-observer and interobserver reliability of One Leg Stand Test as a measure of postural balance in low back pain patients

Abstract

Objective: To determine the absolute and relative reliability of intra-observer and interobserver measurements of postural balance using the One Leg Stand Test in patients with low back pain. Patients and methods: Forty-eight patients with chronic low back pain advised to do exercise were included. A test protocol was established based on review of the literature and a pilot test. Patients were timed for their ability to stand on one leg with their eyes open and with eyes closed. After a 20-min break, the procedure was repeated to check for reproducibility.Results: Eyes open: a ceiling effect was seen as more than 48% of patients were able to stand for the maximum time, and no further analysis was done. Eyes closed: intra-observer reliability was tested in 21 patients; absolute reliability showed a standard error of the measurement (SEM) of 2.48 s and a minimal detectable change (MDC) of 6.88. The relative reliability was acceptable with an intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.86. Interobserver reliability was tested in 27 patients; absolute reliability showed a SEM of 1.42 s and a MDC of 3.95. The relative reliability was acceptable with an ICC of 0.91. Conclusions: The One Leg Stand Test can be used to test postural balance in patients with chronic low back pain, as the reliability of the test was acceptable.

Postural balance in low back pain patients: Intra-session reliability of center of pressure on a portable force platform and of the one leg stand test

“…The OLST was carried out by having patients fold their arms across their chest, one foot lifted approximately 10 cm and placed behind the weight-bearing leg [22]. The test was carried out with EO, focusing at a point 2 m ahead, and with EC.…”

“…Each OLST trial consisted of eight tests with the best of two EO results and best of two EC results recorded for each leg. In clinical practice, interventions will be based on patients having poor balance; therefore, results from the leg with the shortest stand time were used for analysis [22].…”

“…The one leg stand test (OLST), where the patient is observed and timed, is an easy, quick and low-cost test for evaluating postural stability [21][22][23]. In a previous study we found acceptable intra-observer and inter-observer reliability of the OLST [22].…”

“…For LBP patients, only a few studies have investigated whether the CoP parameters [4,24,25] or OLST [22] are reliable, which would be a precondition for their use as outcome parameters. Furthermore, possible correlations between CoP parameters and OLST have not been studied.…”

Establishing the Reliability and Validity of Health in Motion<sup>©</sup> Automated Falls Screening Tool

“…The Fall Risk Questionnaire (FRQ), available through downloading from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) materials for older adults, is a validated 12-item self-assessment screening instrument aimed to increase older adults' awareness of their risk for falls and to facilitate conversations about falls with healthcare providers, family, and friends [11]. In addition to questionnaires, safe objective assessments such as the One Leg Stance Test (OLST), also known as Single Limb Stance Test, and 30-Second Chair Stand Test (CST) can predict the risk of future falls by measuring balance and lower extremity strength [12] [13].…”