FUNCTIONAL
SITTING TEST
(FST)
Advanced Assessment of Core Stability and Seated Postural Control
Presented By : Obai Abusara
Definition of the Functional
Sitting Test
■ - The Functional Sitting Test (FST) is a standardized clinical instrument
designed to evaluate:
■ - Postural stability in a seated position.
■ - Core muscular endurance and functional trunk control.
■ - Dynamic balance performance in seated contexts.
■ - Applications:
■ - Neurological rehabilitation.
■ - Geriatric and orthopedic patient populations.
■ - Post-surgical recovery and balance retraining.
Primary Objectives
■ - Quantify seated balance under static and dynamic conditions.
■ - Detect impairments in trunk coordination and adaptive postural
responses.
■ - Inform individualized intervention strategies and objectively track
functional progress longitudinally.
Key Components of the Test
■ 1. *Static Seated Balance:*
■ - Evaluates the capacity to maintain an upright posture without
external stabilization.
■ 2. *Dynamic Seated Balance:*
■ - Measures balance during controlled movements such as reaching
or retrieving objects.
■ 3. *Reactive Postural Control:*
■ - Assesses the ability to regain equilibrium after externally applied
perturbations.
Detailed Testing Procedure
■ 1. *Preparation:*
■ - Position the individual with hips and knees flexed to 90°, thighs supported, and feet
securely grounded.
■ - Remove extraneous environmental stimuli to optimize concentration.
■ 2. *Assessment Parameters:*
■ - Observe postural alignment and compensatory movements.
■ - Test static, dynamic, and reactive balance utilizing standardized task sequences.
■ - Include controlled perturbation techniques, such as anterior and posterior nudges.
■ 3. *Scoring Protocol:*
■ - Employ an ordinal scoring system (0-4) to reflect performance across tasks.
Aggregated Scoring and
Reporting
■ - Total performance score calculated by summing scores across all
tasks.
■ - *Maximum Possible Score:* 56 points.
■ - Documentation Guidelines:
■ - Date of administration.
■ - Total score (e.g., 48/56).
■ - Name and credentials of evaluator.
■ - Additional observations or notable compensatory strategies.
Clinical Applications
■ - *Neurological Rehabilitation:*
■ - Management of stroke-induced deficits.
■ - Assessment of postural control in Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord
injuries.
■ - *Orthopedic Applications:*
■ - Evaluation of functional recovery following surgical interventions.
■ - *Geriatric Use:*
■ - Preventative measures against falls.
■ - Targeted intervention for age-related postural impairments.
Advantages of the FST
■ - Yields quantitative metrics for evidence-based therapeutic planning.
■ - Identifies discrete functional impairments for targeted interventions.
■ - Enables longitudinal tracking of rehabilitation outcomes.
■ - Promotes interdisciplinary collaboration by standardizing
assessments.
Limitations of the FST
■ - Intrinsic subjectivity in scoring can introduce variability.
■ - Restricted use among individuals with profound impairments or
advanced disability.
■ - Necessitates proficient clinician training to ensure reliability and
accuracy.
Conclusion
■ - The Functional Sitting Test provides a robust framework for
evaluating and enhancing seated balance.
■ - Supports precision in treatment planning through targeted deficit
identification.
■ - Plays a pivotal role in advancing functional independence and quality
of life for diverse patient populations.