The Pedi-CHAMP Agility Test: Completion Rates For Typically Developing Children Aged 5 To 17yrs

Abstract

The Comprehensive High-Level Activity Mobility Predictor (CHAMP) was developed to assess the rehabilitation and performance in active military service-members who sustained traumatic injury. A pediatric version of this 4-part agility test (the Pedi-CHAMP) has been adapted for use in children aged 5 to 17 years. The Pedi-CHAMP consists of a) 30sec single limb stance (SLS) on each leg, b) a modified Edgren Side-Step Test (Edgren) consisting of 3 continuous repetitions of side-step movements in each direction over a 4m course c) an L-test (10m forward, 10m side-step in each direction, 10m backwards) and d) the Illinois Agility Test (IAT) triple shuttle run with directional weaving on the second pass. PURPOSE: To assess the completion rate of each portion of the Pedi-CHAMP in typically developing children aged 5 to 17 years. METHODS: With IRB-approval, 1,093 children (574 females, average age 11.0±3.9yrs (range 5.0-17.9yrs) were tested and included for analysis. Each participant was given two attempts to complete each portion of the test. If one attempt was unsuccessful or disqualified based on performance, a third attempt was offered. Participants were grouped by age (rounded down to the nearest year) and sex (male/female). A complete test was noted if the participant was able to follow directions and did not demonstrate any performance deemed to disqualify the trial (missed end line/cone, failed to maintain proper body position during side step, etc.) RESULTS: All participants were able to follow the directions and perform the SLS test. It should be noted, however, that 29% were not able to maintain balance for 30 secs on one or both legs. The SLS rate of completion was higher in girls than boys for children aged 5 to 11 years. The overall completion rates for the modified Edgren and L-test tasks were 93% and 92%, respectively. Similar trends between sexes were seen for both tests, with completion rates improving from 74% (Edgren) and 69% (L-Test) in children aged 5yrs to <90% by 8yrs of age. The Illinois Agility Test (IAT) had an overall completion rate of 99%, with all age-sex groups achieving at least 92% completion. CONCLUSION: The Pedi-CHAMP is a 4-part agility test that can be successfully administered in typically developing children aged 5 to 17yrs.