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The wheelchair skills test (version 2.4): measurement properties
R Lee Kirby1, Debbie J Dupuis, Angela H Macphee
1Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada. kirby@dal.ca
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|May 7, 2004
Summary
The Wheelchair Skills Test (WST) version 2.4 demonstrates excellent reliability and validity for assessing wheelchair mobility skills. This practical and safe test is well-tolerated by users, showing good measurement properties.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation research
- Biomechanics
- Assistive technology evaluation
Background:
- The Wheelchair Skills Test (WST) is a crucial tool for evaluating wheelchair mobility.
- Assessing the measurement properties of WST version 2.4 is essential for its reliable clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the measurement properties of the Wheelchair Skills Test (WST), version 2.4.
- To determine the reliability and validity of the WST 2.4 in a diverse population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 298 participants (169 wheelchair users, 129 able-bodied) was conducted.
- Videotaping was used to assess performance on the 50 skills of the WST 2.4.
- Test-retest, intrarater, and interrater reliability were assessed, along with construct and concurrent validity.
Main Results:
- The WST 2.4 demonstrated excellent reliability, with intraclass correlation coefficients for total scores ranging from .904 to .968.
- Construct validity was supported by correlations with age, experience, diagnosis, and wheelchair type.
- Concurrent validity showed moderate correlations with therapist global assessments and FIM scores.
Conclusions:
- The WST 2.4 is a practical and safe assessment tool with very good to excellent measurement properties.
- Further research is recommended to establish its utility across various clinical settings.