Relationships Between Instrumented Four Square Step Test and Gait for a Mixed Neurologic and Community-Dwelling...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Functional mobility relies on integrated gait and balance.
• Current outcome measures often assess gait and balance independently.
• Understanding their relationship can refine interventions for mobility deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between dynamic balance, measured by the instrumented Four Square Step Test (i-FSST), and gait parameters.
• To explore these relationships in community-dwelling adults and individuals with neurological conditions (stroke, MS, PD).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 40 participants (adults, stroke, MS, PD).
• Dynamic balance assessed using the i-FSST, measuring duration, stepping patterns, and transitions.
• Gait parameters included velocity, step length, gait variability index (GVI), double limb support (DLS), and single limb support (SLS).

Main Results:

• i-FSST duration correlated negatively with gait velocity and step length.
• Significant relationships were found between i-FSST duration and SLS, DLS, and GVI.
• Measures of weight shifting (ODS, CMS) also showed significant correlations with multiple gait parameters.

Conclusions:

• The i-FSST is a valuable clinical tool for assessing dynamic balance and its impact on gait.
• The test can help identify specific impairments in weight shifting and directional movement.
• Findings support the use of i-FSST for targeted rehabilitation strategies.