Determination of Reliability, Validity, and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC) of the Figure-of-eight Backward Walking Test in Elderly Adults
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 87
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- figure-of-eight backward walking test
Study Overview
Brief Summary
Mobility is a fundamental element of healthy aging. Balance is a necessary function during mobility for all movements throughout life in elderly individuals. Falls due to balance disorders in elderly individuals cause a decrease in the quality of life. Studies in the literature indicate that 13% of individuals aged 65-69 experience falls, and this rate rises to 46% in individuals over 85. Lower extremity muscle volume and strength gradually decrease with aging. This decreased muscle strength directly impacts individuals' activities of daily living.Normal walking speed for elderly individuals is related to balance and overall health performance. However, walking assessments generally focus on walking activities in a forward direction and in a straight line. However, in daily life, we may need to sit on a chair, walk backward to navigate a narrow space, or change direction suddenly due to obstacles or environmental cues. Walking backward requires more complex motor control, and these gait training programs are known to be effective in improving balance and walking skills.Clinically, balance assessments in the elderly persons are commonly measured by using the TUG, 10-meter walk test, functional reach test, 4-square step test, and Berg balance scale. The methods used to assess balance are still not fully standardized. The best test for assessing dynamic balance and fall risk is still up for debate, especially when it comes to elderly individuals who live freely in the community. Further research is needed to determine whether lateral walking tests can identify those at high risk of falling in elderly adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability, validity, and minimal detectable change (MDC) of the Figure-of-8 backward walking test in healthy elderly adults.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Observational
- Observational Model
- Other
- Time Perspective
- Prospective
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 65 Years to 85 Years (Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Healthy elderly individuals over 65 years of age.
- •Elderly individuals who have fluent in Turkish and able to communicate.
- •Elderly individuals who have no cognitive impairment.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Elderly individuals who have any neurological problems (Parkinson's, hemiplegia, etc.)
- •Elderly individuals who have any orthopedic problems (fractures, etc., in the last year)
- •Elderly individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2
- •Elderly individuals who havevision problems
- •Elderly individuals who have had any lower extremity surgery in the last year
- •Elderly individuals who use any mobility aids
- •Elderly individuals who refuse to participate in the study.
Arms & Interventions
1/study group
Healthy elderly individuals over the age of 65 living in the city center of Kahramanmaraş
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
figure-of-eight backward walking test
Time Frame: On the day 1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will perform the F8BWT twice. In the second session, the second assessor (PT2) will perform the F8BWT twice.
In the figure-of-eight backward walking (F8BWT) test, participants begin at the midpoint of two cones 1.5 m apart. Participants walk backward, circle both cones, and record the time it takes to return to the starting point. The test is administered by both raters on the first and second days.The assessments will be conducted by two separate specialists(physiotherapists). Individuals' completion times for each activity during the tests will be recorded using a stopwatch. Assessments will be conducted over two days, in two sessions per day. On the first day, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will perform the F8BWT twice. In the second session, the second assessor (PT2) will perform the F8BWT twice. The average of the two recorded times will be noted. On the second day of the assessment, the PT2 will begin by performing the F8BWT. PT2 will then perform the F8BWT twice. The average of the two recorded times will be noted.
Secondary Outcomes
- SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FORM(On the day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.)
- 8-Figure Walk Test(On the day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.)
- Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)(On the first day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.)
- Modified 4-Square Step Test (mFSST)(On the first day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.)
- 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3MGYT)(On the day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.)
- Tandem Test(On the day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.)
- One-Legged Standing Test(On the day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.)
- The Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I)(On the day1, in the first session, the first assessor (PT1) will record.)
Investigators
Hatice Adiguzel
Associate Professor
Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University