Reliability and concurrent validity of the step quick turn test in older persons with a unilateral transtibial amputation.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the Step Quick Turn Test in older transtibial amputees.

DESIGN

Fifteen male and female transtibial amputees repeated the timed "up and go" test and the Step Quick Turn Test measures of turn time (TT) and turn sway (TS) each to the prosthetic and sound side, approximately 2 wks apart.

RESULTS

The intraclass correlation coefficients (2,1) for TT and TS were excellent (≥ 0.85). Spearman rank correlation coefficients between the timed "up and go" test and the TT of turning to each side and TS on the prosthetic side were excellent (≥ 0.75), whereas that for the TS to the sound side was fair to good (0.58).

CONCLUSIONS

The TT and TS demonstrate an acceptable reliability for individual use in a clinical setting with the exception of TT to the prosthetic side. Differences in validity between the prosthetic and sound sides were also identified, with TT demonstrating excellent validity against the timed "up and go" test for both sides, whereas the TS was weaker when evaluated toward the sound side.