Key Finding
This study found excellent intra-visit reliability of the Enhanced Paper Grip Test for quantifying balance deficits in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Abstract
This study assessed the reliability and applicability of the Enhanced Paper Grip Test (EPGT) for quantifying balance deficits in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The study evaluated whether foot and ankle strength measurements could serve as indicators of balance impairments in individuals with MS.
Methods
Thirty individuals with MS (mean age: 41.9 ± 9.66 years, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score: 2.13 ± 0.94; mean disease duration: 8.3 ± 6.0 years) were recruited for the reliability and applicability assessment.
Results
The EPGT demonstrated excellent intra-visit reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93–0.98) for the weaker side and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89–0.97) for the stronger side. Inter-visit reliability was also excellent.
Conclusion
The Enhanced Paper Grip Test is a reliable tool for measuring foot and ankle strength in people with multiple sclerosis, offering potential utility for assessing balance-related deficits in clinical practice.
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