Reliability and concurrent validity of Standardized Walking Obstacle Course test in people with stroke

Sheung Mei Shamay Ng, Sunny C.L. Chan, Alexis K.Y. Chan, Hephzibah H.Y. Chung, Navis K.W. Lee, Anson T.S. Ngan, Mun Yee Mimi Tse

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate: (i) the intra-rater, interrater and test-retest reliabilities of completion times and step counts on the Standardized Walking Obstacle Course test (SWOC); (ii) correlations between SWOC scores and stroke-specific impairments; (iii) the cut-off SWOC completion times and step counts for distinguishing differences in obstacle negotiation ability in people with chronic stroke and healthy older adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: University-based rehabilitation centre. Subjects: Twenty-nine people with stroke and 30 healthy older adults. Methods: SWOC completion times and step counts were measured under 3 conditions: (i) normal walking; (ii) walking with a tray; and (iii) walking with dark-glasses. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of lower extremity, the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test, the Berg Balance Scale, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and the Community Integration Measure questionnaire, were also administered. Results: SWOC completion times and step counts showed very satisfactory to excellent reliabilities (intraclass correlation coefficient; ICC = 0.851-0.993). TUG times correlated significantly with SWOC completion times and step counts under the 3 conditions (r = 0.586-0.815, p < 0.001). SWOC completion times of 14.73-16.00 s and step counts of 23.06-24.13, depending on different walking conditions, were able to discriminate between stroke survivors and healthy older adults. Conclusion: The SWOC is a reliable clinical tool for assessing obstacle negotiation ability in people with stroke.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)705-714
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume49
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2017

Keywords

  • Balance
  • Outcomes
  • Rehabilitation
  • Stroke
  • Walking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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