Test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change scores for fitness assessment in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE

To assess the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and to determine the minimal detectable change (MDC95 ) scores of the data for the Hand Grip Strength Test, the Chair Sit and Reach Test (CSRT), the Timed "Up and Go" (TUG) test, the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and 30 seconds Sit to Stand Test (30s-STS) test in older adults with type 2 NIDDM.

DESIGN

Test-retest reliability.

METHODS

Eighteen subject participated in two sessions (1 week apart), which included the different tests.

FINDINGS

High ICCs (≥ 0.92) were found for all tests. The MDC₉₅ scores were as follows: 4.0 kg for Hand Grip Strength Tests, 7.5 cm for the right leg-CSRT, 9.0 cm for the left leg-CSRT, 1.0 second for the TUG test, 27 m for the 6MWT, and 3.3 repetitions for the 30s-STS test.

CONCLUSIONS

All tests evaluated are reliable outcome measures for type 2 NIDDM patients.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study has generated novel MCD₉₅ data, which will assist nursing practitioners in both prescribing the most beneficial exercise and interpreting posttreatment changes after rehabilitation in patients with T2DM.