Affiliations: [a] Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Hull, Hull, UK | [b] Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK | [c] School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Matthew J. Northgraves, Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK. Tel.: +44 1904 321614; E-mail:matt.northgraves@york.ac.uk
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Simple field tests are often used to assess functional
mobility in clinical settings. Despite having many benefits, these tests are
susceptible to measurement error and individual variation. OBJECTIVES: To examine the test-retest and absolute reliability of
timed up and go test (TUG), five times sit-to-stand (FTSTS), stair climb
test (SCT) and 6 minute walk (6MWT). METHODS: Over two sessions, thirty-five subjects (30-74 years),
repeated the five tests approximately four weeks apart. Test-retest
reliability (intraclass correlations [ICC]) and absolute reliability (95%
limit of agreements [95% LOA]; standard error of measurement [SEM] and
minimum detectable change [MDC]) were calculated. RESULTS: All five tests had high test-retest reliability (ICC >
0.95) although significant between session changes were present for the TUG
and FTSTS (p < 0.05). FTSTS displayed the greatest measurement error whilst
95% LOA was the most conservative measure of absolute reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the TUG,
FTSTS, SCT and 6MWT are reliable when performed four weeks apart.
Furthermore, the inclusion of SEM, MDC and 95% LOA provides reference
values to aid in identifying changes over time above those of measurement
error and individual variation.
