To Örebro University

Background: Trunk control impairment often accompanies multiple sclerosis (MS). Trunk stability is necessary for movements of extremities, as are selective trunk movements for normal gait. Measuring trunk function is thus of interest.

Methods: We examined the relationships between the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS1.0 and TIS2.0) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 5 sit-to-stand test (5STS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), 10-m timed walk test (10TW), 2-min walk test (2MWT), Falls Efficacy Scale - International, and 12-item MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12) in 47 outpatients. We determined construct validity by calculating the degree to which the TIS versions produced different scores between known groups: use or nonuse of walking aid, MS disability status, and whether participants experienced a fall or not during 14 weeks.

Results: TIS correlated moderately with BBS and 5STS; moderately (TIS1.0) or weakly (TIS2.0) with TUG, 10TW, and 2MWT; and weakly to moderately with MSWS-12 in subgroups with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) > 6.0. No other clear correlation patterns were found. TIS did not discriminate between known groups.

Conclusions: TIS1.0 is recommended for individuals with MS (EDSS score 4.0-7.5). Better trunk function correlates with better balance and walking ability. TIS has limited value in fall risk screening.