Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision
Published on: February 11, 2014
The Speed Precision ObsTacle CourSe (SPOTS): a reliable, valid and sensitive obstacle course for assessing walking
Vanessa Janssens1, Marjan Coremans2, Liesel Cornelis2
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UZ Leuven University Hospitals Leuven, Pellenberg, Belgium.
Purpose:
This prospective study examined the psychometric properties of the Speed Precision ObsTacle courSe (SPOTS), a six-item, triangle-shaped obstacle course to assess walking adaptability in individuals with a central neurological disorder (CND).
Materials And Methods:
Inter- and intra-rater reliability, validity and sensitivity of the SPOTS were evaluated in adults with CND undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. The SPOTS was performed on 2 consecutive days, and 1 month later, alongside clinical assessments on the first and last day. Completion time was recorded, and three raters performed clinician-rated assessments for motor and cognitive function based on video recordings. Reliability of the clinician-rated SPOTS score was assessed with Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman, and weighted Kappa analysis; validity with Spearman rank correlation coefficients and sensitivity to change with the minimal detectable change (MDC).
Results:
Thirty-five independent walkers (FAC ≥3) with CND were recruited. The SPOTS showed excellent inter-rater (ICC: 0.90-0.93) and intra-rater reliability (ICC: 0.91-0.96). Adequate to excellent correlations (r = 0.36-0.66) were found with other common balance and gait assessments. An MDC value of 4.63 points (6.4% of SPOTS) was found.
Conclusion:
The SPOTS is a new, promising, reliable, valid and sensitive tool for assessing advanced walking adaptability in patients with CND.
