Abstract
Abstract Introduction There is need of a clinical assessment measuring locomotory differentiation ability. Objective The Target-Step-Test (TST) for evaluating the locomotory differentiation ability should be checked for its reliability in the context of practical application. Furthermore, it is necessary to define a standard value range. In addition, an examination of the exercise attempts should enable a statement to be made about the adequate test execution. Materials and Methods 208 healthy adults between 18 and 45 years were asked to perform the TST twice. The test procedures of 205 test persons could be evaluated. The individual experiments and target steps were photo documented. The 4 directions of movement included stepping forward with the right and left leg and stepping to the side with the right and left leg. Each direction contains 3 exercise steps with open eyes and one target step with closed eyes. The difference to the target line was rounded up or down to 5 mm by the raters. Results For the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability as well as the test-retest reliability high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and corrected kappa values could be calculated. 90 % of the measurements performed are within the range of −4.85 to 5 cm of the target line. The testing of the measured value repetition shows no differences between 2nd and 3rd step with open eyes. Therefore, it should be sufficient to perform 2 exercise steps with open eyes before the decisive target step with closed eyes. Conclusions The TST is reliable regarding inter-rater, intra-rater and test-retest reliability. The standard value range for healthy adults is set to±5 cm distance from the target line. Regarding the test procedure, it is sufficient to execute the target step with closed eyes after practicing twice with open eyes. The Target-Step-Test is reliable and can easily be carried out in daily routine to measure locomotory differentiation ability as a step movement.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Physikalische Medizin, Rehabilitationsmedizin, Kurortmedizin
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
