Objective: To evaluate the test-retest reproducibility and convergent validity of the sitting-rising test (SRT) in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Design: Observational study comprising a test-retest design. Setting: Multiple Sclerosis Center, Rehabilitation Hospital at Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel. Participants: A total of 50 PwMS (32 women, 18 men, N=50), mean age 44.8±7.6 years and mean disease duration of 13.8±8.5 years since diagnosis, were enrolled in the study. The median Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 4.5, indicating a mild-moderate neurologic disability. Interventions: Not applicable. Main outcome measures: SRT, posturography measures, 10-repetion sit-to-stand test (10STS), timed Up and Go (TUG) test, hand grip strength, strength of hip flexion/extension/abduction, knee flexion/extension, and Fall Status Questionnaire.

Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient value for the intrarater test-retest reproducibility (7- to 10-day interval between tests) of the SRT test, was 0.931 (95% confidence interval, 0.796-0.977). Strong correlations were found between the SRT, TUG test (ρ=-0.709), and 10STS (ρ=-0.719), and moderate correlations were found between the SRT and postural control measures (ρ∼0.4). Moderate correlations were found between the SRT and the hip and knee strength (combined) of the weaker limb (ρ=0.344). No differences were found in the SRT score between fallers and nonfallers.

Conclusions: The current study supports the convergent validity and test-retest reproducibility of the SRT in PwMS.