The test retest reliability and concurrent validity of functional reach test in 5 to 15 years old children with Down’s syndrome - A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background and objective: The functional reach test and Time up and go test are most common dynamic balance tests used in patient with Down’s syndrome. To estimate test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability and validation of a method for measuring balance functional reach test in children with Down’s syndrome, A cross-sectional study conducted in Alva’s special school, Chethana special school and Mangalore special school with outcome measures of Functional reach test, inter rater reliability, test retest reliability and concurrent validity to timed up and go test. Ethical clearance was obtained and 50 Down’s syndrome children (5-15years) were selected with who fulfils the inclusion criteria. The subjects were asked to perform three trials of functional reach and time up and go test and average of three trials was used for data analysis and their height, weight, Waist Circumference, Body mass index were measured. For estimating test-retest reliability, functional reach test was done by principal investigator once and inter-rater reliability was assessed by principal investigator and second investigator with an interval of 5 days. Time up and go test was used as the criterion dynamic balance, locomotion and coordination measure to validate functional reach. The data was tabulated and analysed statistically. Result: 50 children with Down’s syndrome took part in the reliability study. The test- retest reliability of functional reach test is ICC (1, 1) 0.851 (p=0.002). According shrout and fleiss criteria in estimating reliability, there is moderate reliability between them. Similarly inter-rater reliability of time up and go test with ICC (2, 1) =0.72(p=0.002). Conclusion: Functional reach test is valid and reliable measure in estimating dynamic balance in children with Down’s syndrome.