The Reliability and Validity of the Lie-to-Sit-to-Stand-to-Walk Transfer (LSSWT) Test in Knee Osteoarthritis

Kevser Sevik Kacmaz; Bayram Unver; Vasfi Karatosun

doi:10.1007/s43465-022-00802-5

The Reliability and Validity of the Lie-to-Sit-to-Stand-to-Walk Transfer (LSSWT) Test in Knee Osteoarthritis

Indian J Orthop. 2022 Dec 20;57(2):290-296. doi: 10.1007/s43465-022-00802-5. eCollection 2023 Feb.

Authors

Kevser Sevik Kacmaz¹, Bayram Unver², Vasfi Karatosun³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Izmir Katip Celebi University, TR-35340 Cigli Izmir, Turkey.
² School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylul University, TR-35340 Balçova Izmir, Turkey.
³ Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, TR-35340 Balçova-Izmir, Turkey.

Abstract

Background: Several neuromuscular impairments may be observed in older patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), increasing the risk of falling, which is common during transfer activities. The Lie-to-Sit-to- Stand-to-Walk Transfer (LSSWT) test was developed to evaluate complex transfer abilities. The study aims to investigate the reliability and validity of LSSWT in patients with knee OA.

Methods: Twenty-nine patients with knee OA were included in this study. The LSSWT, Timed up and go test (TUG), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) were administered to the patients. Patients rested for at least an hour between the trials to avoid fatigue.

Results: The LSSWT has excellent reliability and high validity in patients with knee OA. The relative (ICC coefficient) and absolute (SEM and SRD95) reliability values are 0.96 (95% CI: 0.91-0.98), 1.00, and 2,75, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient of the LSSWT with the TUG is 0.73 (p < 0.01), and the Spearmen correlation coefficient of the LSSWT with the WOMAC is 0.54 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The LSSWT is highly reliable and valid in knee OA and is recommended for routine dynamic balance establishment. Having a low minimal clinically important difference shows the LSSWT's sensitivity. The LSSWT can easily identify dynamic balance deficits in knee OA patients and help prevent fall incidents.

Keywords: Balance; Falls; Knee osteoarthritis; LSSWT; Reliability; Validity.

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