Article

OBJECTIVE: To provide a multivariate examination of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) as a first step in developing a balance
tool for the SCI population. DESIGN: Observational cohort. SETTING: The
NeuroRecovery Network (NRN), a specialized network of treatment centers providing
standardized, activity-based therapy for patients with SCI. PARTICIPANTS:
Patients (N=97) with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale C or D
SCI who were enrolled in the NRN between March 1, 2005, and June 12, 2007.
INTERVENTIONS: All enrolled patients received 3 to 5 locomotor training sessions
a week, according to NRN protocol, and were periodically evaluated for progress
on functional outcome measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scores on the items of
the BBS, six-minute walk test distances, ten-meter walk test speeds, and scores
on the SCI Functional Ambulation Index. Temporal rates of change of the BBS items
were examined with a principal components and correlation analysis. RESULTS: The
first principal component accounted for nearly half of the overall variability in
the BBS, correlated well with rates of change in functional mobility measures,
and had good stability in its composition as verified by a resampling analysis.
Further analysis showed that the composition of the first principal component
varied with the patient's level of recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The BBS captures a
significant amount of information about balance recovery in persons with SCI and
may be a good foundation for a balance tool. However, the utility of BBS items
may be dependent on a patient's level of recovery. A dynamic balance instrument
for the SCI population may be needed.

Langue : ANGLAIS