Citation

Yamaji S, Demura S. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2013; 94(7): 1312-1319.

Affiliation

University of Fukui, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Morphological and Physiological Sciences, Sports Medicine.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2012.12.021

PMID

23318998

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To examine the reliability and fall experience discrimination of the Cross Step moving on Four spots Test (CSFT) including a rapid crossover steps and the relationship between the CSFT scores and the fall-related physical function. DESIGN: The reliability of the CSFT was examined in a test-retest format with the same tester. Fall history, fall risk, fear of falling, activities of daily living (ADL), and various physical parameters were measured for all participants. SETTING: A community center and university medical school in Japan PARTICIPANTS: Elderly community-dwelling subjects aged 65-94 years living independently (62 men and 471 women) INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Time to complete all the CSFT steps required, fall risk score, ADL score, and fall-related physical function (isometric muscle strength: toe grip, plantar flexion, knee extension, hip flexion, hand grip; balance: one-leg standing time with eyes open, functional reach test using an elastic stick; and gait: 10-m maximal walking speed). RESULTS: The trial-to-trial reliability test indicated good reliability of the CSFT in both sexes (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.833 in men, 0.825 in women). However, trial-to-trial errors increased with increase in the CSFT values in both sexes. Significant correlations were observed between the CSFT values and scores for most fall-related physical function tests in both sexes. However, the correlation coefficient for all significant correlations was <0.5. Two-way analysis of variance (sex × fall experience) revealed that the fall experience is a significant factor affecting the CSFT values; the values in fallers were significantly lower than those in nonfallers. The odds ratios in logistic regression analysis were significant in both sexes (men: 1.35, women: 1.48). As determined by Youden's index, the optimal cutoff value for identifying fall experience was 7.32 s, with an area under the curve of 0.676. CONCLUSION: The CSFT can detect fall experience and is useful in the evaluation of different fall-related physical functions, including muscle strength, balance, and mobility.

Language: en