The test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of performance-based task tests in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: The measurement tool used for an accurate balance assessment should produce valid and reliable results in the population in which it is used. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether two performance-based task tests are a reliable and valid measurement test to assess balance in patients with early and advanced knee osteoarthritis (KO). DESIGN: Reliability and concurrent validity research. METHOD: Test-retest reliability by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the first and second trial periods of performance-based task tests (Alternate Step Test & Pen Pick up Test); their correlations with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) were calculated and their concurrent validity in balance assessment were examined. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients (75% women, 25% men, mean 59 ± 10 years) with KO, 50 early (54 ± 7 years, 34 women, 16 men) and 50 advanced (64 ± 9 years, 41 women, 9 men), participated in the study. The ICC values for the Alternate Step Test (AST) and Pen Pick up Test (PPT) in patients with early KO are 0.881 (0.747-0.939, 95% confidence intervals) and 0.815 (0.689-0.892, 95% confidence intervals), respectively, while it is 0.852 (0.752-0.913, 95% confidence intervals) and 0.861 (0.756-0.922, 95% confidence intervals) in patients with advanced KO. Pearson correlation coefficient between AST & PPT times and TUGT time in patients with early and advanced KO was in the range of 0.535-0.746 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Both task tests are reliable and valid clinical measurement tests that can be used to assess balance in patients with both early and advanced KO.

The test-retest reliability and concurrent validity of 360° turn test in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine whether the 360° turn test is a reliable and valid evaluator that can be used to assess dynamic balance in patients with early (radiographic grades I and II) and advanced (radiographic grades III and IV) knee osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a methodological research. For the test time and step count of 360° turn test; test-retest reliability were determined by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient and concurrent validity in patients with knee osteoarthritis was investigated by correlation with the timed up and go test time. RESULTS: The final analysis was made on 117 participants. The intraclass correlation coefficient values for the test time and step count of 360° turn test in patients with early knee osteoarthritis are 0.931 and 0.902, respectively, while they are 0.923 and 0.943 in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the time and step count of 360° turn test and the test time of the timed up and go test in patients with early knee osteoarthritis, respectively; while they are 0.547 and 0.388, the correlation in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis are 0.697 and 0.700, respectively (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The 360° turn test is a evaluator that has excellent test-retest reliability and moderate to strong concurrent validity in patients with both early and advanced knee osteoarthritis and can be used in the assessment of dynamic balance in this population.

Reliability of the Modified Four Square Step Test (mFSST) in patients with primary total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the modified four square step test (mFSST) in patients with primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods: Twenty-eight patients with primary TKA were included in this study. Patients performed two mFSST trials on the same day.Results: The mFSST showed excellent test-retest reliability in this study. Intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC(2,1)] for FSST was 0.97. Standard error of measurement and smallest real difference at the 95% confidence level for mFSST were 0.80 and 2.24, respectively.Conclusions: The mFSST has an excellent test-retest reliability in patients with primary TKA. It is an effective and reliable tool for measuring dynamic balance and mobility in patients with primary TKA. As a clinical test, the mFSST is easy to score, quick to administer, requires little space, has no cost and needs no special equipment.

Reliability of 3-m Backward Walk Test in Patients with Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

The 3-m backward walk test (3MBWT) is used to evaluate neuromuscular control, proprioception, protective reflexes, fall risk, and balance. The aim of the present study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the 3MBWT in patients with primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Twenty-eight patients with primary TKA, operated by the same surgeon, were included in this study. Patients performed trials for 3MBWT twice on the same day. Between the first and second trials, patients waited for an hour on sitting position to prevent fatigue. The 3MBWT showed an excellent test-retest reliability in this study. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for 3MBWT was 0.97. The standard error of measurement and smallest real difference at the 95% confidence level for 3MBWT were 1.06 and 2.94, respectively. The 3MBWT has an excellent test-retest reliability in patients with primary TKA. It is an effective and reliable tool for measuring dynamic balance and participant falls. As a clinical test, the 3MBWT is easy to score, requires little space, has no cost, needs no special equipment, and can be applied in a short time as part of the routine medical examination.