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Feasibility and Reliability of Two Different Walking Tests in People With Severe Intellectual and Sensory Disabilities
Author(s) -
Waninge A.,
Evenhuis I. J.,
van Wijck R.,
van der Schans C. P.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1468-3148
pISSN - 1360-2322
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2011.00632.x
Subject(s) - wilcoxon signed rank test , intraclass correlation , test (biology) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , reliability (semiconductor) , gross motor function classification system , psychology , physical therapy , medicine , cerebral palsy , developmental psychology , psychometrics , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , paleontology , pedagogy , curriculum , biology
Background The purpose of this study is to describe feasibility and test–retest reliability of the six‐minute walking distance test (6MWD) and an adapted shuttle run test (aSRT) in persons with severe intellectual and sensory (multiple) disabilities. Materials and Methods Forty‐seven persons with severe multiple disabilities, with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) grade I and II and wearing a heart rate monitor, performed the 6MWD and the aSRT twice. Results Ninety‐six per cent of the participants completed both tests successfully. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test revealed no significant differences between test and retest ( P < 0.05). Intraclass correlation coefficients for all variables were ≥0.90. Limits of agreement for aSRT in GMFCS II subjects were insufficient. Conclusion Six‐minute walking distance test is feasible and reliable for measuring functional exercise capacity in GMFCS I and II participants with severe multiple disabilities. aSRT is feasible and reliable for measuring aerobic capacity in GMFCS I participants. Compared with others, participants with severe multiple disabilities achieved poor results in 6MWD.