Skill description | skilltrack

Title	Conducting Timed Single Leg Stance (SLS) test	Digital skill	No
Code	ST-0076	Category	Rehabilitation
Responsible partner	Riga Stradiņš University	Responsible person	didzis.rozenbergs
Status	Created
Skill description	Timed Single Leg Stance test is screening test for postural control disturbance. Conducting this test helps students recognise postural control issues and take appropriate actions to improve balance hence decreasing fall risk. Timed Single Leg Stance test is a non-instrumented test that is simple to perform and does not require advanced level of skill. To perform this task a student needs a stopwatch and good communication skills.
Keywords
Skill description author	didzis.rozenbergs

Title	Conducting Timed Single Leg Stance (SLS) test
Level	C1	Author	didzis.rozenbergs
Ways of learning	Hospital Simulated environment Theoretically	Duration	1

Description	Skill of conducting Timed Single Leg Stance test is composed of two other skills - effective communication and time keeping. Students must communicate effectively so that the patient understands the instructions and can perform the necessary steps. Student must be skilled in time taking to eliminate the measurement error.
Performance steps	Make the test environment secure - enough space for conducting the test (room should be at least 3 metres long and 3 metres wide), minimal chance of distraction (no visual, audial or physical disturbances, that could interrupt the test procedure and put an unnecessary burden on patient), appropriate light and climate. There should be no physical obstacles on or near the testing area. When possible, this test should be performed with the shoes off. Patient must perform the test unassisted. Start the test procedure by explaining the test protocol. Give the following instructions in an easy to understand language: Place your hands on your hips and keep them there for the rest of the testing time When I say “Go!” I want you to: stand on one leg Do not let your raised leg to touch the ground Do not let your legs touch each other Look straight ahead with your eyes open and focus on an object in front of you I will start to take time when you raise your leg and stop immediately when you lose your balance. Demonstrate the test procedure - do the steps yourself, to make it easy for patient to understand. Adjust the instructions to the patient's condition (take into consideration the patients educational background, cognitive and emotional state, general health condition). If necessary, repeat the instructions as many times as possible until the patient knows what to do. If necessary repeat individual steps. If necessary take a pause between the sentences allowing the patient to process the information. When the patient is ready, initiate the test by telling the patient “Go!”. On the word “Go,” begin timing. The test is timed in seconds. Stop timing immediately after the patient's legs touched each other, the feet moved on the floor, their feet touches down, or the arms moved from their start position. To eliminate the learning time error, repeat the test 3 times, giving enough brakes in between. Record time.
Learning results	After acquiring the skill in this level students should be able to perform the test in a secure and valid way both in simulated and real life situations. Students should know the test procedure, should be able to give the instructions to the patient in an appropriate manner and should be able to take time in a valid way. Students should be able to screen the patient for increased risk of fall.

Description

Skill of conducting Timed Single Leg Stance test is composed of two other skills - effective communication and time keeping. Students must communicate effectively so that the patient understands the instructions and can perform the necessary steps. Student must be skilled in time taking to eliminate the measurement error.

Performance steps

Make the test environment secure - enough space for conducting the test (room should be at least 3 metres long and 3 metres wide), minimal chance of distraction (no visual, audial or physical disturbances, that could interrupt the test procedure and put an unnecessary burden on patient), appropriate light and climate. There should be no physical obstacles on or near the testing area.
When possible, this test should be performed with the shoes off.
Patient must perform the test unassisted.
Start the test procedure by explaining the test protocol. Give the following instructions in an easy to understand language:
1. Place your hands on your hips and keep them there for the rest of the testing time
2. When I say “Go!” I want you to:
3. stand on one leg
4. Do not let your raised leg to touch the ground
5. Do not let your legs touch each other
6. Look straight ahead with your eyes open and focus on an object in front of you
7. I will start to take time when you raise your leg and stop immediately when you lose your balance.
Demonstrate the test procedure - do the steps yourself, to make it easy for patient to understand.
Adjust the instructions to the patient's condition (take into consideration the patients educational background, cognitive and emotional state, general health condition). If necessary, repeat the instructions as many times as possible until the patient knows what to do. If necessary repeat individual steps. If necessary take a pause between the sentences allowing the patient to process the information.
When the patient is ready, initiate the test by telling the patient “Go!”.
On the word “Go,” begin timing. The test is timed in seconds.
Stop timing immediately after the patient's legs touched each other, the feet moved on the floor, their feet touches down, or the arms moved from their start position.
To eliminate the learning time error, repeat the test 3 times, giving enough brakes in between.
Record time.

Learning results

After acquiring the skill in this level students should be able to perform the test in a secure and valid way both in simulated and real life situations. Students should know the test procedure, should be able to give the instructions to the patient in an appropriate manner and should be able to take time in a valid way. Students should be able to screen the patient for increased risk of fall.

Assessment criteria title	Weight
Provide a safe and appropriate test environment	test
Instructing the patient	test
Ensuring the test validity and reliability	test