A study on the utility of the Figure-of-8 Walk Test at Maximum Velocities (F8Wmax) ­

To Assess InpatientsʼWalking Abilities ­

Abstract

This study examined the validity of the Figure-of-8 Walk Test at maximum velocities (F8Wmax). The following items were measured, involving 25 inpatients who were able to walk: F8Wmax (the time and number of steps), the Timed Up & Go Test (TUG),Functional Reach Test (FRT), and Frail Chair Stand-10 (FCS-10) results, and the knee extensor strength, duration of standing on one leg with the eyes open, walking velocity, LifeSpace Assessment (LSA) score, hand grip strength, Fall Risk Index (FRI), and FIM-m score. The validity of the F8Wmax was examined. Both the time and number of steps in the F8Wmax were significantly correlated with the TUG, FRT, and FCS-10 results, and the duration of standing on one leg with the eyes open, walking velocity, LSAscore,and FRI, confirming the sufficient validity of the test to assess inpatientsʼwalking abilities.