Performance measures

30 second chair stand test

Link

Type

  • Evaluative

Description

  • Tests sit-to-stand activity, lower body strength and dynamic balance.
  • Measures the maximum number of chair stand repetitions possible in a 30 second period.
  • Used to assess lower limb functional strength in any musculoskeletal or pain condition. MCID: 2-3 in hip osteoarthritis.

Advantages

  • Functional, quick and easy to administer.
  • Minimal equipment: standard chair and stop watch.
  • Language is not a barrier.
  • Can be used in range of conditions.

Precautions or limitations

  • Floor effect: ineffective at measuring change in clients who cannot perform this function.
  • Ceiling effect: ineffective at measuring change in strong and fit clients.

40 metre fast-paced walk

Link

Access the 40 metre fast-paced walk

Type

  • Evaluative

Description

  • Tests short distance walking ability with changing direction.
  • A timed walk of 4 x 10 metres for a total of 40 metres. Use useful for people with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis who require more challenge than 10-metre walk test or the Timed Up and Go. MCID: 0.2-0.3m/sec in hip osteoarthritis.

Advantages

  • Functional, quick and easy to administer.
  • Minimal equipment: standard chair and stop watch.
  • Language is not a barrier.
  • Can be used in range of conditions.

Precautions or limitations

  • Gait aide use must be recorded and standardised across test and retests.
  • Floor effect: ineffective at measuring change in clients who cannot perform this function.
  • Ceiling effect: Ineffective at measuring change in strong and fit clients.
  • Requires at least a 14-metre walkway.

6 minute walk test

Link

Type

  • Evaluative

Description

  • Tests aerobic walking capacity over longer distances.
  • Measures the maximal distance covered in a 6-minute period. Suitable for people with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis who require more challenge than 10 metre walk test or Timed Up and Go. MCID: 0.2-0.3m/sec Hip osteoarthritis.

Advantages

  • Functional, quick and easy to administer.
  • Minimal equipment: standard chair and stop watch.
  • Language is not a barrier.
  • Can be used in range of conditions.

Precautions or limitations

  • Gait aide use must be recorded and standardised across test and retests.
  • Requires a standardised area to test and retest in where distance can be measured.


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