Psychometric properties of the timed backward walk test in people with stroke
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2340/jrm.v58.46292Keywords:
gait, postural balance, Psychometrics, rehabilitation, stroke, walkingAbstract
Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of the Timed Backward Walk test in people with stroke.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Subjects: 60 people with stroke and 30 healthy adults aged 55 years and older.
Methods: Participants performed the Timed Backward Walk test and standard clinical assessments. Discriminative validity was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve. Reliability (one-week test–retest, inter-rater, intra-rater) was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Construct validity was examined through correlations with motor function, strength, balance, and gait measures.
Results: People with chronic stroke took significantly longer to complete the test than healthy adults (p < 0.001), with an area under the curve of 0.968 and an optimal cut-off of 7.22 s. Test–retest, inter-rater, and intra-rater reliability were all excellent. The standard error of measurement was 1.62 s and the minimal detectable change was 4.49 s. The complete time showed strong positive correlations with functional mobility and gait speed measures (ρ = 0.840–0.897) and moderate negative correlations with balance, lower-limb motor function, and ankle dorsiflexor strength (ρ = –0.408 to –0.647).
The Timed Backward Walk test demonstrated excellent reliability, discriminative validity, and construct validity in people with chronic stroke. It is a feasible and sensitive complement to forward gait assessments.
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