A physical therapist selects an SCI-specific outcome measure that classifies walking ability on a 0-20 ordinal scale based on the amount of physical assistance, bracing, and assistive devices required to walk 10 meters. Which measure is being described?

A physical therapist selects an SCI-specific outcome measure that classifies walking ability on a 0-20 ordinal scale based on the amount of physical assistance, bracing, and assistive devices required to walk 10 meters. Which measure is being described?

• A. Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
• B. Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI II)
• C. 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT)
• D. 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)

Answer: (B)

This item is about measuring walking independence in spinal cord injury by the exact help, braces, and devices a person needs to walk a short distance. The Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II uses a 0–20 ordinal scale tied to the amount of physical assistance and assistive devices required to walk 10 meters, with higher scores reflecting greater independence. It’s specifically designed for SCI and captures functional walking ability in a way that speed or endurance tests don’t. By contrast, the Berg Balance Scale assesses balance performance; the 10-Meter Walk Test measures how fast someone can walk 10 meters but not the level of device/assistance; and the 6-Minute Walk Test gauges endurance over six minutes, not an ordinal independence score.

This item is about measuring walking independence in spinal cord injury by the exact help, braces, and devices a person needs to walk a short distance. The Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II uses a 0–20 ordinal scale tied to the amount of physical assistance and assistive devices required to walk 10 meters, with higher scores reflecting greater independence. It’s specifically designed for SCI and captures functional walking ability in a way that speed or endurance tests don’t. By contrast, the Berg Balance Scale assesses balance performance; the 10-Meter Walk Test measures how fast someone can walk 10 meters but not the level of device/assistance; and the 6-Minute Walk Test gauges endurance over six minutes, not an ordinal independence score.