Feasibility, Reliability, and Convergent Validity of the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test via Telehealth in Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Physical therapy via telehealth for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) may be a feasible mode of delivery to improve accessibility and continuity of care. However, little evidence exists to guide the selection of tests and measures in telerehabilitation. This study aimed to confirm the reliability and examine the feasibility, safety, and convergent validity of the remote Five Times Sit-to-Stand (rFTSTS) test among people with MS. Methods: Demographics, disease characteristics, in-person Five Times Sit-to-Stand (FTSTS) and rFTSTS, and hip and knee isometric strength were collected on people with MS (N = 32) at a one-time visit. The rFTSTS and FTSTS were administered concurrently. Inter-rater reliability between rFTSTS and FTSTS was assessed using a 2-way random effect, single measurement intraclass coefficient (ICC). Spearman rank correlations (ρ) were used to determine the association between rFTSTS and knee and hip strength. Results: < .05) with the strongest and weakest limb's hip flexion (strongest: ρ = 0.449; weakest: ρ = 0.474) and extension (strongest: ρ = 0.378; weakest: ρ = 0.362) and the weakest limb's knee flexion (ρ = 0.552) and extension (ρ = 0.427). Conclusions: The rFTSTS is feasible, safe, and reliable, and exhibits convergent validity with hip and knee strength. While further validation is needed, the rFTSTS may be a useful measure for telerehabilitation in people with MS with mild to moderate impairment.