Validity and reliability of a simple 'low-tech' test for measuring choice stepping reaction time in older people. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Delbaere, K; Gschwind, YJ; Sherrington, C; Barraclough, E; Garrués-Irisarri, MA; Lord, SR
• Is Part Of: Clinical rehabilitation. Volume 30:Number 11(2016)
• Page Start: 1128
• Page End: 1135
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Choice stepping reaction time -- accidental falls -- aged -- portable test -- assessment; Medical rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.1177/0269215515613422
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-2155

Abstract

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 (R 2 = 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.