Trunk Balance and Functional Independence in Individuals With SCI

The Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT) is an assessment tool designed to measure an individual's stability and balance by evaluating their ability to reach forward while maintaining a standing position. It involves asking the participant to extend their arm forward as far as possible without moving their feet, with the distance recorded in centimeters. This test helps identify fall risk and assess functional balance, particularly in older adults and individuals with balance impairments.

The T-shirt Test is a functional assessment used to evaluate the upper body mobility and coordination of individuals, particularly those with spinal cord injuries or other disabilities. During the test, participants are asked to put on and take off a T-shirt while seated in a wheelchair, which assesses their ability to perform daily activities. It measures aspects such as trunk control, upper limb function, and overall independence, providing insights into the participant's ability to manage clothing tasks in real-life situations.

The Trunk Control Test (TCT) is an assessment tool used to evaluate trunk stability and control in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). It involves tasks that assess the ability to maintain balance while seated and perform movements such as reaching, twisting, and turning. The test typically includes three components: static sitting balance, dynamic reaching, and trunk rotation.

A digital inclinometer (Baseline Digital Inclinometer) will be used during the measurements. Each participant will be given a practice trial and the measurement will be repeated 3 times after the completion of the practice trial. The test procedure will be performed with the inclinometer fixed at the level of the T4 spinal process followed by active trunk flexion at a 30 degree angle. The participant will be asked to maintain and memorize this position for 5 seconds with eyes open. The participant will then be placed in a neutral position and instructed to repeat the target position with closed eyes as accurately as possible. The patient will be asked to verbally report that they have reached the same position. The absolute values of the difference between the angle values in the position taken by the patient and the 30-degree value will be recorded. Body Reposition Error will be recorded by averaging a total of 3 trials

The Wheelchair Skills Test (WST) is an assessment designed to evaluate an individualls proficiency in using a wheelchair. It involves a series of tasks that simulate real-life scenarios, such as maneuvering in tight spaces, ascending and descending ramps, and navigating various surfaces.

The Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III) is a comprehensive tool used to assess functional independence in individuals with spinal cord injuries. It evaluates three main domains: self-care, respiration and sphincter management, and mobility.

Participants will be asked to retrospectively report the number of falls that have occurred in the previous six months and the amount of previous training they have received in fall prevention and transfer skills. Using the World Health Organization definition, a fall is defined as "an unintentional fall to the ground, floor or other lower level, excluding an intentional change of position to rest against furniture, walls or other objects"