Document Type : Original Article
Researchers
1 Department of Corrective Exercise & Sport Injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
2 .
3 .Department of Corrective Exercise & Sport Injury, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
Ministerial Ethics Committee
Multiple sclerosis (MS), as one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, has seen an increase in prevalence in recent years and, as a factor affecting patients’ quality of life, significantly impacts their motor abilities and functional independence. The occurrence of balance impairments in these patients not only increases the risk of falls but also leads to limitations in performing daily activities, greater dependence on others, and psychological decline. In such circumstances, the use of simple, quick, valid, and reliable clinical tools for assessing balance in patients with MS is of high importance. Tools that can be used in clinical settings without requiring complex equipment can play a crucial role in monitoring patient status and guiding rehabilitation interventions. Two widely used tests, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the Functional Reach Test (FRT), are commonly employed due to their simplicity and high feasibility in various clinical environments. However, a review of existing studies indicates that, despite their extensive use, comprehensive research examining both the validity and reliability of these tests in MS patients—particularly considering gender differences and appropriate sample sizes—has not yet been conducted. Therefore, conducting a study aimed at comprehensively evaluating the validity and reliability of these two tests in patients with MS could be an effective step toward improving clinical assessments, designing targeted therapeutic interventions, and enhancing the quality of life for these patients.