Article

Functional testing is particularly useful in the clinic and for making research
translatable; however, finding measures relevant across ages and different
conditions can be difficult. A systematic review was conducted to investigate
timed stair tests as an objective measure of functional abilities and
musculoskeletal integrity. Data were analyzed for their ability to differentiate
between controls and patient groups and between different patient groups.
Literature was reviewed using the Medline, CINAHL, and PubMed databases until
February 2012. Data were grouped according to methodology, ages, and medical
conditions. Time per step was calculated to allow comparison between studies.
Eighty-eight studies were included in this review. Methodologies varied
considerably with stair ascent, stair descent, or a combination of the two being
used across a wide range of ages and medical conditions. Times increased with age
for ascent, descent, and combined and for a variety of medical problems. Timed
stair tests appear to be sensitive to medical conditions but further data are
required to obtain normative values for this test. We suggest that timed stair
tests should follow a more standardized methodology using a combination of ascent
and descent and asking participants to complete the stairs as quickly and safely
as possible.

Langue : ANGLAIS