Journal
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
Volume 23, Issue 1, Pages -Publisher
BMC
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05070-w
Keywords
Arthrogryposis; Clubfoot; Gait; Postural balance; Walking speed
Categories
Funding
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health [T32HD007490]
- Foundation for Physical Therapy Research
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This study aimed to assess the reliability of gait and balance measures in individuals with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. The results showed that gait speed, non-linear walking, and dynamic balance assessment had adequate test-retest reliability in this population.
Background Most individuals with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, a rare condition characterized by joint contractures in >= 2 body regions, have foot and ankle involvement leading to compromised gait and balance. The purpose of this study was to establish between-days, test-retest reliability for performance-based outcome measures evaluating gait and balance, i.e., the 10-m Walk Test, Figure-of-8 Walk Test, 360-degree Turn Test, and modified Four Square Step Test, among adolescents and adults with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. Methods This reliability study included ambulatory participants, aged 10 to 50 years, with a medical diagnosis of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. Participants completed performance-based measures, in a randomized order, on two separate occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients with 95% confidence intervals and minimal detectable changes at the 90% and 95% confidence level were calculated. Results Participants included 38 community-ambulators with a median of 13 out of 14 upper and lower joint regions affected. Intraclass correlation coefficient point estimates and 95% confidence intervals ranged from .85-.97 and .70-.98, respectively. Minimal detectable changes were 10 to 39% of sample means and were largest for the modified Four Square Step Test. Conclusions Among individuals with arthrogryposis, gait speed per the 10-m Walk Test, as well as non-linear walking and dynamic balance assessment per the Figure-of-8 Walk and 360 Degree Turn Tests, have adequate test-retest reliability enabling evaluation of individual patient changes. Changes in groups of ambulatory individuals with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita may be reliably evaluated with all of the studied outcome measures.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available