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Minimum detectable change for single-leg-stance-time in older adults
Allon Goldberg1, Allison Casby, Michelle Wasielewski
1Department of Health Care Sciences, Program in Physical Therapy, Mobility Research Laboratory, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Ave., Detroit, MI 48201, USA. agoldberg@wayne.edu
Gait & Posture
|March 30, 2011
Summary
The single-leg stance time (SLST) measure has a minimum detectable change of 24.1 seconds in older adults. This indicates SLST has poor reliability and is not sensitive for detecting changes in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Interpreting clinical balance measure changes requires knowledge of real change values.
- Minimum change values for single-leg stance time (SLST) in community-dwelling older adults are not well-established.
- Minimum detectable change (MDC) quantifies performance changes exceeding measurement error, using standard error of measurement (SEM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the minimum detectable change (MDC) for the single-leg stance time (SLST) in community-dwelling older adults.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five community-dwelling older adults (60-89 years) performed repeated single-leg stance time (SLST) trials.
- Relative and absolute reliability of SLST were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient and SEM.
- MDC was calculated from the SEM at a 95% confidence level.
Main Results:
- The SEM for SLST was 8.7 seconds, and the MDC was 24.1 seconds.
- SLST demonstrated substantial measurement error (40.8%) and high minimum change values (113.1%).
Conclusions:
- A change in SLST performance exceeding 24.1 seconds is required to be considered a real change.
- SLST exhibits poor absolute reliability.
- SLST is unlikely to be sensitive enough for detecting performance changes in geriatric clinical settings and research.
