The reliability of physical performance measures in peripheral neuropathy

[Guest guest]

Gait Posture. 2008 Mar 3

The reliability of physical performance measures in peripheral

neuropathy.

Manor B, Doherty A, Li L.

Department of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, 112 Long

Fieldhouse, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability

of select physical performance measures among people with peripheral

neuropathy (PN).

METHODS: 20 PN patients (12 women, 8 men, mean age=68.4+/-12.5 years)

were assessed on two separate occasions. Plantar pressure sensitivity

was determined with a monofilament of known strength. Functional

capacity and mobility were measured by the 6-min walk (6MW) and timed

up-and-go (TUG) tests, respectively. Standing balance was evaluated

by computing the average velocity (VEL) and area enclosing 95% of the

body COP (A95) while participants stood quietly with eyes closed for

multiple trials of varying length. Isokinetic knee extensor and

flexor peak torque (KEPT, KFPT) were measured with an dynamometer

during five maximal voluntary contractions.

RESULTS: Plantar sensitivity and all measures of physical function

demonstrated significant reliability. High reliability was observed

for the 6MW (ICC=0.94) and the two-trial average TUG (ICC=0.99).

Similarly, KEPT and KFPT were highly reliable whether using the top

trial, or averaging the three best trials (ICCs>0.96). Averaging

multiple standing balance trials generally increased ICC values, with

30s trials appearing to possess the highest reliability.

DISCUSSION: Despite the heterogeneity of the PN population, select

measures of physical performance are highly reliable and therefore

recommended for use when examining physical function in these

patients.