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Age expansion of the thirty-second walk test norms for children
Loretta M Knutson1, Barbara Bushman, Janice Clark Young
1Krannert School of Physical Therapy, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Ptfutures@mchsi.com
Insights
This study expanded the 30-second walk test normative database for children aged 5-17 years. Walk distance generally increases until age 10, then gradually declines, aiding in mobility assessments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Physical Therapy
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- The 30-second walk test (SWT) is a functional mobility assessment.
- A normative database is crucial for interpreting SWT results in pediatric populations.
- Previous databases had limited age ranges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To expand the age range of the SWT normative database for children.
- To describe age-related changes in walk distance.
- To identify subject characteristics influencing walk performance.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 302 children aged 5-17 years from urban schools.
- Administered the 30-second walk test to measure distance walked.
- Collected data on age, height, leg length, weight, sex, and race/ethnicity.
Main Results:
- Walk distance increased from ages 5-10, then gradually decreased from ages 11-17.
- Significant age-related differences in walk distance were observed.
- Age, right leg length, and weight accounted for 11.5% of the variance in walk distance.
Conclusions:
- Pooled data (n=529) from this and a previous study created an expanded normative database.
- A percentile chart of the combined data will aid in using the SWT for pediatric mobility evaluations.
Purpose:
The purposes of this study were to expand age ranges for a previously published normative database (n = 227) on the 30-second walk test, describe changes with age, explore contributions of subject characteristics, and verify previous data.
Methods:
Children (n = 302; age, 5-17 years) from 4 urban schools were tested for distance walked in 30 seconds. Age, height, right lower extremity length, weight, sex, and race/ethnicity were recorded.
Results:
Distance walked increased from 5 to 10 years of age, decreased slightly at age 11 years, followed by a more gradual decrease from 12 to 17 years. A significant difference in distance walked was found across ages. Right leg length, age, and weight explained 11.5% of the variance in walk distance.
Conclusion:
A percentile chart of the pooled data (previous and current, n = 529) should facilitate the use of the 30-second walk test when examining children for mobility limitations.
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