Reliability of the Function in Sitting Test (FIST).

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Therapy
• Clinical Assessment Tools

Background:

• The Function in Sitting Test (FIST) is a novel performance-based tool designed to evaluate seated postural control deficits.
• Previous studies confirmed FIST's internal consistency and validity in neurological populations.
• However, its test-retest, intra-rater, and inter-rater reliability remained undescribed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the test-retest reliability of the FIST.
• To assess the intra-rater reliability of the FIST.
• To evaluate the inter-rater reliability of the FIST.

Main Methods:

• Seven patients with chronic neurological dysfunction were videotaped performing the FIST over two consecutive days.
• Seventeen physical therapists rated six FIST performances on two separate occasions, at least two weeks apart.
• Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to quantify reliability.

Main Results:

• The FIST exhibited excellent test-retest reliability with an ICC of 0.97.
• Intra-rater reliability was also excellent, with an ICC of 0.99.
• Inter-rater reliability was similarly excellent, achieving an ICC of 0.99.

Conclusions:

• The FIST demonstrates strong reliability, supporting its use by physical therapists in clinical practice and research.
• These findings suggest that the FIST is a dependable measure for assessing seated postural control in neurological populations.
• Further research is recommended to explore FIST's responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference.