Article

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal condition
affecting older individuals. Clinical balance tests are frequently used to assess
standing balance in these people. There is insufficient information regarding the
reliability of these tests. The aim of this study was to estimate
reliability and measurement error of 4 common clinical standing balance tests in
people with hip OA. DESIGN: A prospective study was conducted with repeated
measures between 2 independent raters within 1 session and within 1 rater over a
1-week interval. METHODS: Thirty people with hip OA were evaluated. Reliability
was estimated for the Four-Square Step Test, Step Test, Functional Reach Test,
and Timed Single-Leg Stance Test using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC
[2,1]). Measurement error was expressed as standard error of measurement and
minimal detectable change. RESULTS: The Four-Square Step Test, Step Test, and
Timed Single-Leg Stance Test were sufficiently reliable between raters
(ICC=.85-.94, lower 1-sided 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=.71-.89), whereas
the Step Test (standing on study limb) and Timed Single-Leg Stance Test (standing
on nonstudy limb) were sufficiently reliable within a rater over a 1-week
interval (ICC=.91, lower 1-sided 95% CI=.80-.83). The Step Test (standing on
study limb) and Timed Single-Leg Stance Test (standing on nonstudy limb) achieved
optimal levels of reliability (ICC >.90, lower 1-sided 95% CI >.70), with
acceptable measurement error (<10%) for clinical outcome measures. The Functional
Reach Test was not sufficiently reliable. A ceiling effect was detected for the
Timed Single-Leg Stance Test. LIMITATIONS: Reliability was assessed only between
2 raters during a single session and within 1 rater over a 1-week interval, which
limits generalizability. CONCLUSIONS: The Step Test (standing on study limb) is
recommended as a highly reliable test with acceptable measurement error for
assessing standing balance in people with hip OA.

Langue : ANGLAIS