Article

OBJECTIVE: To establish the psychometric properties of a simple 'low-tech' choice
stepping reaction time test (CSRT-M) by investigating its validity and
test-retest reliability. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Community. SUBJECTS: A
total of 169 older people from the control arm of a clinical trial and a
convenience sample of 30 older people. MAIN MEASURES: Demographic, physical,
cognitive and prospective falls data were collected in addition to CSRT-M. The
CSRT-M time was taken as the total time to complete 20 steps onto four targets
printed on a portable rubber mat. Assessment of the original electronic version
(CSRT-E) and re-administration of the CSRT-M the next day was done in 30
participants. RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis showed that the CSRT-M
time was best explained by leaning balance control, quadriceps strength and
cognitive functioning (R2 = 0.44). Performance on the CSRT-M was worse in older
participants and participants with a presence of fall risk factors, supporting
good discriminant validity. The odds of suffering multiple future falls increased
by 74% (odds ratio (OR) = 1.74, 95% CI (confidence interval) = 1.14-2.65, p =
0.010) for each standard deviation increase in CSRT-M, supporting good predictive
validity. Criterion validity was confirmed by a strong bivariate correlation
between CSRT-M and CSRT-E (0.81, p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability for the
CSRT-M was good (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.45-0.88, p
< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A simple test of unplanned volitional stepping (CSRT-M)
has excellent predictive validity for future falls, good inter-day test-retest
reliability and excellent criterion validity with respect to the well-validated CSRT-E. The CSRT-M, therefore, may be a useful fall risk screening tool for older people.
- Chutes

Langue : ANGLAIS