Article

Purpose: To estimate the within-day test-retest reliability and standard error of
measurement (SEM) of the unsupported upper limb exercise test (UULEX) in adults
without disabilities and to determine the effects of age and gender on
performance of the UULEX. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100
adults without disabilities (44 men, mean age 44.2 [SD 26] y; 56 women, mean age
38.1 [SD 24.1] y). Participants performed three UULEX tests to establish
within-day reliability, measured using an intra-class correlation coefficient
(ICC) model 2 (two-way random effects) with a single rater (ICC[2,1]) and SEM.
The effects of age and gender were examined using two-factor mixed-design
analysis of variance (ANOVA) and one-way repeated-measures ANOVA. For analysis
purposes, four sub-groups were created: younger adults, older adults, men, and
women. Results: Excellent within-day reliability and a small SEM were found in
the four sub-groups (younger adults: ICC[2,1]=0.88; 95% CI: 0.82, 0.92; SEM
approximately 40 s; older adults: ICC[2,1]=0.82; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.90; SEM
approximately 50 s; men: ICC[2,1]=0.93; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.96; SEM approximately 30
s; women: ICC[2,1]=0.85; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.91; SEM approximately 45 s). Younger
adults took, on average, 308.24 seconds longer than older adults to perform the
test; older adults performed significantly better on the third test (p<0.0001;
eta(2)=0.096). Gender effects were not found (p>0.05). Conclusion: The within-day
test-retest reliability and SEM values of the UULEX may be used to define the
magnitude of the error obtained with repeated measures. One UULEX test seems to
be adequate for younger adults to achieve reliable results, whereas three tests
seem to be needed for older adults.

Langue : ANGLAIS