Comparison of multidirectional seated postural stability between individuals with spinal cord injury and able-bodied individuals.

OBJECTIVES To compare multidirectional seated postural stability between individuals with spinal cord injury and able-bodied- individuals and to evaluate the impact of abdominal and low back muscle paralysis on multidirectional seated stability. DESIGN Case-control study. PARTICIPANTS Fifteen individuals with complete or incomplete spinal cord injury affecting various vertebral levels participated in this study and were gender-matched with 15 able-bodied individuals. METHODS Participants were instructed to lean as far as possible in 8 directions, set apart by 45° intervals, while seated on an instrumented chair with their feet placed on force plates. Eight direction-specific stability indices and a global stability index were calculated. RESULTS The global stability index and all direction-specific indices, except in the anterior and posterior directions, were lower in individuals with spinal cord injury than in able-bodied individuals. However, the individuals with spinal cord injury who had partial or full control of their abdominal and lower trunk muscles obtained a similar global stability index and similar direction-specific indices compared to the able-bodied individuals. CONCLUSION Multidirectional seated postural stability is reduced in individuals with SCI who have paralysis of the abdominal and lower back muscles in comparison to able-bodied individuals.