Sensitivity and Specificity of the Fukuda
Stepping Test for Balance
ABSTRACT Purpose. Although the Fukuda Stepping Test (FST) is often used to assist in the detection of vestibular pathology, sensitivity and specificity values have not been quantified. The intent of this study is the compare FST results of unilaterally vestibular impaired individuals with age-matched unimpaired individuals to determine the sensitivity and specificity of this test. Subjects. Sixteen subjects were tested. The FST was administered to eight unilaterally vestibular impaired participants and eight aged-matched unimpaired participants (ages 25-40). The eight impaired individuals were diagnosed via electronystagmography testing and the eight unimpaired participants were screened for normal vestibular function. Methods. Participants stood with their medial malleoli centered on two intersecting, perpendicular axes. They marched in place for 100 steps while blindfolded in an evenly lighted, quiet room. Three measurements were taken: (1) displacement from origin (cm), (2) angle of displacement (degrees), and (3) angle of rotation on their vertical axis (degrees). Analysis. Sensitivity and specificity levels were quantified. In addition, independent t-tests were used to compare the two groups using a significance level of 0.05. Results. Sensitivity and specificity were determined to be 50.0% and 62.5% respectively. T-tests failed to identify significant differences between the groups (distance of displacement: p=0.173, angle of displacement: p=0.102, angle of rotation: p=0.819). Conclusion. Sensitivity and specificity values suggest the FST may be a more useful tool in screen for health, or the unimpaired individual, rather than for screen for vestibular impairment. It may be best utilized with a battery of other balance and vestibular tests rather than an independent measure of balance or vestibular function.
