The Validity and Reliability of the Modified O'Sullivan Functional Balance (mOFB) Test for Multiple Sclerosis

This study is a methodological research designed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Modified O'Sullivan Functional Balance (OFB) Test in individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Before the assessments, all participants will receive a practical explanation and demonstration of how each test is performed. Considering the high prevalence of fatigue in individuals with MS, the assessment protocol will be planned to allow adequate rest periods, and participants will be seated and rested prior to the administration of the Modified O'Sullivan Functional Balance (OFB) Test. Assessments will be conducted on two separate days with a one-week interval, consisting of two sessions per day. On the first day, during the first session, the Modified O'Sullivan Functional Balance (OFB) Test will be administered by the first assessor (Dr. PT Meltem Uzun). In the same session, the Berg Balance Scale, Mini-BESTest, Trunk Impairment Scale, and L Test will also be applied. During the second session on the first day, the Modified O'Sullivan Functional Balance (OFB) Test will be administered by the second assessor (Dr. PT Hakan Polat). On the second assessment day, the Modified O'Sullivan Functional Balance (OFB) Test will be administered sequentially by Dr. PT Meltem Uzun and Dr. PT Hakan Polat. This assessment protocol will allow the evaluation of both inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability by performing the same measurements on different days and by different physiotherapists. All assessments will be carried out in the Application and Research Laboratory of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, SANKO University. Participants will be evaluated in the same environment during all sessions to minimize the effects of environmental factors on performance. The assessment room will be maintained at normal room temperature, adequately illuminated, and have a firm surface floor. Each assessment session will last approximately 25-30 minutes, while the total duration of the first session, including interviews and evaluations, will be approximately 40-45 minutes. Prof. Dr. Suat Erel and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emel Taşvuran Horata will be responsible for the planning of the study, formulation of hypotheses, interpretation of results, and preparation of the scientific manuscript. All collected data will be coded using project identification numbers to ensure participant confidentiality. Data will be stored and managed using Microsoft Excel, and access will be restricted exclusively to the research team members involved in the project.