Circular Timed Up and Go (cTUG) for Ataxia: Development and Validation (cTUG)

Circular Timed Up and Go (cTUG) Test for Assessing Balance and Falls Risk Among Individuals With Cerebellar Ataxia: Development and Validation

Cerebellar ataxia (CA) is a collection of signs and symptoms caused by cerebellar dysfunction, which can be the result of different disease processes including hereditary and acquired conditions. High incidence of falls is reported in people with CA due to poor balance while walking. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the balance of people with CA to identify potential fallers. There are some clinical tests commonly used for assessing the balance of people with CA, including both generic measures of balance and ataxia-specific rating scales. The current best balance outcome measures for CA includes Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and the balance related items in Scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA). TUG is commonly used in clinical settings for the assessment of mobility and fall risk of individuals. However, a study done by Winser et. al (2017) found that the correlation between TUG and ataxia rating scales (SARA and ICARS) is only moderate. This indicates that the gait speed and functional mobility findings of TUG might not truly reflect the balance deficits of CA. Therefore, our study will develop a modified TUG for the assessment of balance in people with CA. Circular TUG (cTUG) is a modified version of the standard TUG. cTUG is an equilibrium test that challenges subjects' ability to maintain balance in response to the constant change in direction of walking. In cTUG, the subject walks a semi-circular pathway instead of a straight line. Walking in a circular pathway targets at challenging the coordination of people with CA as walking in a circle requires constant change in directions and correction after feedback. It is speculated that the cTUG will have better accuracy in predicting the balance and falls risk among people with CA. We will target at recruiting 30 healthy volunteers and 30 individuals with cerebellar ataxia. Besides the cTUG we will also assess disease severity of ataxia using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), balance using the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test, Sensory Organization test, Limits of Stability test and functional independence using the Barthel Index. For validation of the cTUG, two types of reliability will be examined, including intra-rater reliability and interrater reliability and four types of validity will be assessed, including concurrent validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and external validity.

Study Overview

• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Conditions: Cerebellar Ataxia; Healthy Adults

Detailed Description

Background What is Cerebella ataxia (CA)? Cerebellar ataxia (CA) is a collection of signs and symptoms caused by cerebellar dysfunction, which can be the result of different disease processes including hereditary and acquired conditions (Hadjivassiliou et al., 2017).

Common clinical presentation of CA patients includes balance and gait dysfunction, dysmetria, dyssynergia, dysarthria and dysdiadochokinesia (Diener & Dichgans, 1992). People with CA usually walks with increased step width, increased foot rotation angles and reduced cadence, which is related to impaired balance (Stolze et al., 2002). Marsden & Harris (2011) suggested that the high incidence of falls in people with CA may be related to their poor balance in walking. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the balance of people with CA to identify potential fallers.

Current balance assessments and drawbacks of TUG There are some clinical tests commonly used for assessing the balance of people with CA, including both generic measures of balance and ataxia-specific rating scales. The current best balance outcome measures for CA includes Berge Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and the balance related items in Scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) (Winser et al., 2015). TUG is commonly used in clinical settings for the assessment of mobility and fall risk of individuals (Dawson et al., 2018). However, a study done by Winser et. al (2017) found that the correlation between TUG and ataxia rating scales (SARA and ICARS) is only moderate. This indicates that the gait speed and functional mobility findings of TUG might not truly reflect the balance deficits of CA. Therefore, in order to bridge this gap, our study will develop a modified TUG for the assessment of balance in people with CA. The specific objectives of this study will be to examine the reliability, validity of the modified TUG for identifying the balance and fall risk of cerebellar ataxia patients.

Circular TUG: A modification that might suit CA Circular TUG (cTUG) is a modified version of the standard TUG. cTUG is an equilibrium test that challenges subjects' ability to maintain balance in response to constant change in direction of walking. In standard TUG, the person gets up from an armchair, walks three meters in a straight pathway, then turn 180 degrees and walks back to the chair to sit down (Podsiadlo & Richardson, 1991b). However, in cTUG, the subject walks a semi-circular pathway instead of a straight line. Walking in a circular pathway targets at challenging the coordination of people with CA as walking in a circle requires constant change in directions and correction after feedback (Goodworth et al., 2012). Moreover, walking in a circle is more difficult for patients with CA as it increases the role of the cerebellum for trunk and foot control during curvilinear locomotion (Goodworth et al., 2012). Therefore, it is speculated that the cTUG will have better accuracy in predicting the balance and falls risk among people with CA.

Objectives and hypothesis The overall aim of this study is to develop and test the psychometric properties of the cTUG in assessing balance and falls risk prediction among individuals with cerebellar ataxia and age-matched healthy volunteers. To address this objective, we have the following specific objectives.

1. Develop the cTUG and record the normative scores of the newly developed scale among healthy volunteers and mean scores among individuals with cerebellar ataxia.
2. Examine the test-retest, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the cTUG among healthy volunteers and individuals with cerebellar ataxia.
3. Examine the concurrent validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and external validity of the cTUG among individuals with cerebellar ataxia.

For validity, concurrent validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and external validity will be assessed. Based on the findings of a previous study that reported a moderate negative correlation (-0.62) between standard TUG and Berg Balance scale (BBS) (Cattaneo et al., 2006), we hypothesize a moderate to strong negative correlation between cTUG and BBS.

Moreover, based on the findings of a previous study that reported a moderate positive correlation (0.584) between standard TUG and Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) (Choi et al., 2018), we hypothesize a moderate to strong positive correlation between cTUG and the balance component SARA.

In addition, based on the findings of a previous study that reported a positive correlation between TUG and Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Organization and Balance (m-CTSIB) and a negative correlation between TUG and Limit of Stability (LOS) (Dawson et al., 2018), we hypothesize a positive correlation between cTUG and Sensory Organization Test (SOT), and a negative correlation between cTUG and LOS.

Besides, based on the findings of a previous study that reported a moderate negative correlation (-0.78) between standard TUG and Barthel Index (BI) (Podsiadlo & Richardson, 1991b), we hypothesize a moderate negative correlation between cTUG and BI.

For reliability, intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability will be assessed. Repeat assessment by the same investigator will be used to estimate intra-rater reliability and repeat assessments by 2 different investigators will be used to estimate inter-rater reliability. All the assessments will be completed on the same day with each assessment conducted with 1 hour rest period.

Ethics will be obtained through the Human Subjects Ethics Sub-committee of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and trial registration will be done through the Clinical Trials Registry. Participants with a confirmed diagnosis of CA of any or unknown cause will be recruited through the Hong Kong Spinocerebellar Ataxia Association (HKSCAA) and one group of age-matched healthy volunteers will be recruited from the Hong Kong PolyU campus. We will post advertisement flyers at the HK PolyU campus and at the HKSCAA for recruiting potential participants. In addition, for recruiting participants with cerebellar ataxia, an advertisement flyer will be posted on the monthly newsletter of the HKSCAA. The specific criteria for recruitment are reported elsewhere.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Anticipated): 60

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Hong Kong
  • Kowloon
    • Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 00
      • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years to 65 years (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: N/A
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

All participants with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebellar ataxia secondary to sporadic, degenerative or acquired cause will be considered.

Healthy adults are those who are ambulant with or without the use of a walking assistive device.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• CA patients (hereditary, degenerative or acquired underlying cause)
• ambulatory
• age 18-65
• able to walk independently with or without assistive walking device for at least 10m

Exclusion Criteria:

• CA patients who require hand held support during walking
• CA patients with severe visual impairment
• Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score >6.5
• Refuse to reveal personal information
• CA patients with other associated neurological conditions that does not result in ataxia features
• Poor cognition or unable to follow the instructions

Healthy adults: Both genders aged 18 to 65 who are ambulant with or without assistive device for walking.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Observational Models: Cohort
• Time Perspectives: Prospective

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Cerebellar ataxia and Healthy adults; We will not administer any intervention to the patients in this study

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in Circular TUG (cTUG)	Circular TUG (cTUG) is a modified version of the standard TUG. cTUG is an equilibrium test that challenges subjects' ability to maintain balance in response to constant change in direction of walking. In standard TUG, the person gets up from an armchair, walks three meters in a straight pathway, then turn 180 degrees and walks back to the chair to sit down (Podsiadlo & Richardson, 1991b). However, in cTUG, the subject walks a semi-circular pathway instead of a straight line.	Baseline (T1), Day 1 (T2) and Day 1 (T3)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA)	The Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) is a measure to assess the severity of cerebellar ataxia. There are total of 8 items: gait, stance, sitting, speech disturbance, finger chase, nose-finger test, fast alternating hand movement and heel-shin slide. The total score ranges from 0 to 40, which indicates no ataxia to severe ataxia. SARA has high inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.98) and high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.90) in assessing cerebellar ataxia patients. Internal consistency is high as indicated by Cronbach's α of 0.94 (Schmitz-Hubsch et al., 2006).	Assessment 1 day 1
Berg Balance Scale (BBS)	Berg Balance Scale (BBS) measures the ability in maintaining balance during tasks. The scale consists of 14 items, requiring patients to maintain different positions for specific durations. Each item is rated from 0 to 4, from lowest ability to highest ability. The time and quality in maintaining positions are assessed. The maximum score is 56. Score of less than 45 indicates higher fall risk (Katherine et al., 1992). The test has good inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.96) and high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.94) (Cattaneo et al., 2007).	Assessment 1 day 1
The timed up and go test	The timed up and go test is a test to quantify the functional mobility by balance, gait speed and functional capacity. The subject is timed while asked to stand up from a chair, walks 3 meters, turns and walks back and sits down again. Those who takes more than 30 seconds to complete the test are considered having poor balance and require assistance for many mobility tasks. Those completed the test in less than 10 seconds are considered very independent in mobility tasks (Podsiadlo & Richardson, 1991a).	Assessment 1 on Day 1, Assessment 2 on day 1 and Assessment 3 on day 2
Sensory organization test (SOT)	Sensory organization test (SOT) is an objective evaluation on postural stability under different sensory conditions. The test is performed with the Bertec System. Subjects are challenged to stand unsupported under six sensory scenarios, with different visual, somatosensory and vestibular inputs. There are three trials lasting for 20 seconds in each scenario. Equilibrium score in each scenario and the composite equilibrium score are assessed. The equilibrium score provides quantitative evaluation on subjects' postural sway under different sensory conditions. Composite equilibrium score shows subjects' average performance over the trials. The score of subjects is compared to the normative data in the software database. Results falling outside normal value indicates abnormal sway and shows difficulty in incorporating sensory information for balance control. (Bertec corporation, 2014).	Assessment 1 day 1
Limit of Stability (LOS)	Limit of Stability (LOS) is an objective balance assessment by assessing the ability to displace centre of gravity in different directions without losing balance. The test is performed with the Bertec System. Subjects are assessed in eight directions and their centre of gravity is traced during movement. The directional control (DCL), reaction time (RT) and maximum excursion (MXE) are assessed. Directional control is the measurement of how much subjects move towards the target direction. Reaction time is the time taken for subjects to respond to the command of moving towards the target. Maximum excursion is measurement of the extent that subjects lean during trials. The score of subjects is compared to the normative data in the software database. Result falling outside the normal value indicates restricted stability limit and an increased risk of falling. (Bertec corporation, 2014).	Assessment 1 day 1
Barthel Index	The Barthel index (BI) is an ordinal scale for measuring performance in activities of daily living (ADL). There are a total of 10 variables under ADL and mobility, each values a given number of points. Higher points indicate a greater degree of independence (O'Sullivan et al., 2019).	Assessment 1 day 1

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Anticipated): December 1, 2021
• Primary Completion (Anticipated): May 30, 2022
• Study Completion (Anticipated): June 30, 2022

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: October 17, 2021
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 19, 2021
• First Posted (Actual): November 24, 2021

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): November 24, 2021
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 19, 2021
• Last Verified: October 1, 2021

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: outcome measures; falls prevention; cerebellar ataxia,; falls risk,
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Neurologic Manifestations; Dyskinesias; Cerebellar Diseases; Ataxia; Cerebellar Ataxia
• Other Study ID Numbers: P0030822

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: Undecided
• IPD Plan Description: The patients' personnel identification will be masked. the scores will be made available for the publisher using an anonymous ID for each participant. Personnel identifiers such as photos or names will be identified in public forums including conference presentations.