Measurements of the Reliability in Forward Accelerated Step Test

–Development of a New Assessment Method for Performance of the Forward Stepping Movement Required for Fall Avoidance–

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the measurement reliability in Forward Accelerated Step Test (FAST) that we developed. [Subject and Method] 19 young people were recruited to examine the intra-rater reliability. Two testers, who were qualified physical therapists and 11 young people were also recruited to investigate inter-rater reliability. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities were tested using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Bland-Altman analysis, Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and the Minimal Detectable Change (MDC₉₅). [Results] The intra-rater reliability, ICC (1.1), was 0.90, SEM was 4.31%, and MDC₉₅ was 11.96%. The inter-rater reliability, ICC (2.1) and ICC (3.1), were 0.88 and 0.87, respectively. SEM was 3.46%, and MDC₉₅ was 9.59%. Systematic bias was found in neither the intra-rater nor the inter-rater reliability. [Conclusion] The measurement value obtained by the FAST had good reliability, and the degree and limits of measurement error were demonstrated.