Sock Test for Sitting Balance Validity Study
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2026 2:00 PM
Description
INTRODUCTION: Occupational therapists use a variety of assessments and observations to determine their client’s balance and how it affects their ability to perform valued occupations. The Sock Test for Sitting Balance (STSB) is an assessment tool used to determine sitting balance while performing a dynamic seated task. However, further research must be conducted to determine the assessment’s validity.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to determine whether the scores of the (STSB) correlated with a client’s functional level and length of stay in the acute care setting.
METHOD: A retrospective chart review was performed from September to October 2025 at East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) in Metairie, Louisiana. Occupational therapy practitioners administered the STSB to appropriate clients and added the patients to a secure folder in the electronic medical record, EPIC. The researchers then accessed the charts remotely.
RESULTS: Thirteen charts were included by EJGH therapy staff. The STSB scores significantly correlated with bed mobility, p= 0.005 and toileting, p=0.020. The STSB scores did not significantly correlate with length of stay, upper body dressing, lower body dressing, grooming/hygiene, ambulation, sit-to-stands, and functional transfers.
DISCUSSION: Although the STSB did not correlate with all ADL categories, its function-based approach remains clinically relevant. Assessing a task like donning slipper socks reflects a real-life activity that requires seated balance, coordination, and motor planning. The small number of charts limit the power of the study, and a larger study is indicated.
Recommended Citation
Ansley, Zoey; Steward, Bailey; Michel, Lauren; and Bourgeois, Race, "Sock Test for Sitting Balance Validity Study" (2026). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 43.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2026/posters/43
Sock Test for Sitting Balance Validity Study
INTRODUCTION: Occupational therapists use a variety of assessments and observations to determine their client’s balance and how it affects their ability to perform valued occupations. The Sock Test for Sitting Balance (STSB) is an assessment tool used to determine sitting balance while performing a dynamic seated task. However, further research must be conducted to determine the assessment’s validity.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to determine whether the scores of the (STSB) correlated with a client’s functional level and length of stay in the acute care setting.
METHOD: A retrospective chart review was performed from September to October 2025 at East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) in Metairie, Louisiana. Occupational therapy practitioners administered the STSB to appropriate clients and added the patients to a secure folder in the electronic medical record, EPIC. The researchers then accessed the charts remotely.
RESULTS: Thirteen charts were included by EJGH therapy staff. The STSB scores significantly correlated with bed mobility, p= 0.005 and toileting, p=0.020. The STSB scores did not significantly correlate with length of stay, upper body dressing, lower body dressing, grooming/hygiene, ambulation, sit-to-stands, and functional transfers.
DISCUSSION: Although the STSB did not correlate with all ADL categories, its function-based approach remains clinically relevant. Assessing a task like donning slipper socks reflects a real-life activity that requires seated balance, coordination, and motor planning. The small number of charts limit the power of the study, and a larger study is indicated.